Garment

ABSTRACT

A garment comprising a stretch fabric wherein the garment covers at least a part of the lower body of a wearer, has a crotch part, and is worn by being fitted to the wearer&#39;s body, wherein the garment in part has a first portion with a strong straining force; first portion with a strong straining force is a strong straining portion (A); right and left parts of the portion (A) are connected at a second position on the back side of the garment corresponding to any region from os sacrum to vertebrae lumbalis of the wearer&#39;s body; and the portion (A) covers a region extending from second position through tops of bulges of the buttocks or vicinities thereof approximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus gluteus maximus at right and left to at least the vicinity of trochanter major.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a garment having functions of assistingthe stability of the hip joint and reducing lumbar lordosis.

BACKGROUND ART

Aging, lack of exercises, or excessive use of muscles by exercises maycause disorder in posture or excess load to some muscles. As a result,generation of pains or limitations in movements may be caused.

Particularly in lumbar region, this may lead to limitations in movementsand inconveniences as follows: due to weakened abdominal muscles forsupporting musculus erector spinae, lumbar lordosis is increased; due toweakened musculus gluteus maximus and musculus gluteus medius that playimportant roles as muscles for stabilizing the tilt of the pelvis andallowing the hip joint to function with stability, and further due toweakened musculus biceps femoris, musculus semitendinosus, musculussemimembranosus, etc. that are called hamstrings, the pelvis is liableto incline backward and lumbar pains are generated; and due to weakenedhamstrings, the function of musculus obliquus externus abdominis doesnot work well, and the upper body cannot be supported adequately, sothat the supporting point when rotating the hips is not fixed, and thehips are not rotated (twisted) smoothly.

Furthermore, backward inclination of the pelvis causes the hips to beflat. Coupled with lumbar lordosis, it also causes flank muscles to becreased and compressed, and also causes the twisting angle of the hipsto the right and left to decrease. As a result, the entire figurebecomes like an elderly person, and moreover, broken posture causes notonly lumbar pains, but also indirectly causes knee joint pain.

Conventionally, a garment for figure control has been proposed in which,in order to provide a figure control function, for example, the functionof keeping the bulges of the hips in a high position, a cloth piece isapplied onto a predetermined part of the garment main body to increasethe straining force in the predetermined part. Sports tights forsupporting specific muscles in order to assist the wearer's abilities ofexercises such as sports, etc. also have been proposed.

To prevent the above-described lumbar lordosis and stabilize the hipjoint, thereby preventing lumbar pains and limitations in movements andreducing the limitations in the movements of the hip joint, for example,the following methods have been used in general as conventional methods:

(1) applying a taping to lumbar region, hypogastric region, etc.; and

(2) wearing a belt-like corset by winding it around lumbar region,hypogastric region, etc. in the same manner as in (1).

However, in the method (1), it is difficult to perform a taping byoneself, so that it is necessary to have another person perform ataping. Because an inexperienced person cannot perform a taping, it isnecessary to have an expert perform a taping each time, so that it isinconvenient to attach and remove the taping. In addition, a tapingcannot be worn for a long time and also may cause skin disorder.

As the method (2), there is a method in which lumbar pains arealleviated by increasing abdominal pressure or preventing hyperextensionof vertebrae lumbalis so as to reduce the load to the back muscles.There is another method in which it is intended to stabilize the hipjoint by pressing the hip joint strongly and circularly. However, thesemethods limit the movements of the wearer exceedingly, and during dailyactivities or when playing sports, etc., the corset has very poorwearing comfort and is hard to wear.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a garment that hasgood wearing comfort in common occasions such as during daily activitiesor when playing sports; can be worn easily by oneself even for aninexperienced person; has the functions of increasing the stability ofthe hip joint, making youthful figure and posture, and reducing lumbarlordosis; contributes to alleviating pains such as lumbar pains; andfurther has the functions of enabling the wearer to improve his/herperformances when playing sports, and for an elderly person preventingfalling down, by utilizing the function of expanding the range of motionof the lumbar region or the hip joint of a human body.

To accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a garmentas follows:

(1) A garment comprising a stretch fabric wherein the garment covers atleast a part of the lower body of a wearer, has a crotch part, and isworn by being fitted to the wearer's body, wherein:

the garment in part has a portion with a strong straining force;

the portion with a strong straining force is a strong straining portion(A);

right and left parts of the portion (A) are connected at a position onthe back side of the garment corresponding to any region from os sacrumto vertebrae lumbalis of the wearer's body; and

the portion (A) covers a region extending from said position throughtops of bulges of the buttocks or vicinities thereof approximately inthe direction of muscle fibers of musculus gluteus maximus at right andleft to at least the vicinity of trochanter major.

(2) The garment according to the above item (1), further comprising astrong straining portion (B), wherein:

right and left parts of the portion (B) are connected at a position onthe garment corresponding to musculus rectus abdominis in hypogastricregion; and

the portion (B) covers a region extending obliquely downward from theposition on musculus rectus abdominis in hypogastric regionapproximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus obliquusinternus abdominis at right and left to at least the vicinity oftrochanter major.

(3) The garment according to the above item (1) or (2), furthercomprising a strong straining portion (C), wherein:

right and left parts of the portion (C) are connected at a position onthe garment corresponding to musculus rectus abdominis in hypogastricregion; and

the portion (C) covers a region extending obliquely upward from theposition on musculus rectus abdominis in hypogastric regionapproximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus obliquusexternus abdominis at right and left to at least a position exceedingthe sides of the wearer to the back side.

(4) The garment according to any one of the above items (1) to (3),further comprising a strong straining portion (D), wherein:

right and left parts of the portion (D) are connected approximately inthe vicinity of a position on the garment corresponding to the backcenter of the waist; and

the portion (D) covers a region extending from the vicinity of theposition at the back center of the waist through musculus latissimusdorsi and musculus gluteus medius at right and left and a part ofmusculus obliquus externus abdominis to at least a position exceedingthe sides of the wearer to the front side.

(5) The garment according to the above item (1), further comprising theportion (B) of the above item (2) and the portion (C) of the above item(3).

(6) The garment according to the above item (1), further comprising theportion (B) of the above item (2), the portion (C) of the above item(3), and the portion (D) of the above item (4).

(7) The garment according to the above item (1), further comprising astrong straining portion (F) for pressing abdomen and a strong strainingportion (B), wherein:

the portion (F) has a main stretch direction in the longitudinaldirection of the garment;

the portion (F) covers the center of hypogastric region;

an end of the portion (B) is connected to each of right and left lowersides of the portion (F); and

the portion (B) covers a region extending obliquely downward from theright and left lower sides of the portion (F) approximately in thedirections of muscle fibers of musculus obliquus internus abdominis atright and left to at least the vicinity of trochanter major.

(8) The garment according to the above item (1), further comprising astrong straining portion (F) for pressing abdomen and a strong strainingportion (C), wherein:

the portion (F) has a main stretch direction in the longitudinaldirection of the garment;

the portion (F) covers the center of hypogastric region;

an end of the portion (C) is connected to each of right and left uppersides of the portion (F); and

the portion (C) covers a region extending obliquely upward from theright and left upper sides of the portion (F) approximately in thedirection of muscle fibers of musculus obliquus externus abdominis atright and left to at least a position exceeding the sides of the wearerto the back side.

(9) The garment according to the above item (1), further comprising astrong straining portion (F) for pressing abdomen, a strong strainingportion (B), and a strong straining portion (C), wherein:

the portion (F) has a main stretch direction in the longitudinaldirection of the garment;

the portion (F) covers the center of hypogastric region;

an end of the portion (B) is connected to each of right and left lowersides of the portion (F);

the portion (B) covers a region extending obliquely downward from theright and left lower sides of the portion (F) approximately in thedirection of muscle fibers of musculus obliquus internus abdominis atright and left to at least the vicinity of trochanter major;

an end of the portion (C) is connected to each of right and left uppersides of the portion (F); and

the portion (C) covers a region extending obliquely upward from theright and left upper sides of the portion (F) approximately in thedirection of muscle fibers of musculus obliquus externus abdominis atright and left to at least a position exceeding the sides of the wearerto the back side.

(10) The garment according to any one of the above items (1) to (9),wherein:

the portion indicated by the portion (A) is a strong straining portion(A2); and

the portion (A2) further covers a region extending from the vicinity oftrochanter major toward regio femoralis anterior medialis through atleast a part of any at least one musculus quadriceps femoris selectedfrom musculus sartorius, musculus rectus femoris and musculus vastusmedialis.

(11) The garment according to any one of the above items (1) to (9),wherein:

the portion indicated by the portion (A) is a strong straining portion(A3); and

the portion (A3) further covers a region extending from the vicinity oftrochanter major through the vicinity of tractus iliotibialis and/ormusculus vastus lateralis in regio femoralis to a position a littlehigher than patella.

(12) The garment according to any one of the above items (1) to (9),wherein:

the portion indicated by the portion (A) is a strong straining portion(A4); and

the portion (A4) further covers a region extending from the vicinity oftrochanter major through the vicinity of tractus iliotibialis and/ormusculus vastus lateralis to patella, and further from patella throughthe vicinity of musculus gastrocnemius and/or musculus soleus in theregio cruris lateralis to the vicinity of an upper part of malleoluslateralis so as to support musculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus.

(13) The garment according to any one of the above items (2) to (12),wherein:

the portion indicated by the portion (B) is a strong straining portion(B2); and

the portion (B2) further covers a region extending from the vicinity oftrochanter major through a lower part of the bulges of the buttocks.

(14) The garment according to any one of the above items (2) to (12),wherein:

the portion indicated by the portion (B) is a strong straining portion(B3); and

the portion (B3) further covers a region extending from the vicinity oftrochanter major through at least a part of hamstrings in regiofemoralis posterior.

(16) The garment according to the above item (12), further comprising astrong straining portion (E), wherein

the portion (E) covers a region extending from an upper part of regiofemoralis medialis through musculus vastus medialis to patella so as tosupport musculus vastus medialis, and further from patella through thevicinity of musculus gastrocnemius and/or musculus soleus in regiocruris medialis to the vicinity of an upper part of malleolus medialisso as to support musculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus.

(17) The garment according to any one of the above items (1) to (16),wherein a strong straining portion is formed by laminating a cloth onthe front side or back side of a main body fabric of the garment.

(18) The garment according to any one of the above items (1) to (16),wherein a strong straining portion is formed by changing a stitch forknitting a main body fabric of the garment to form a weak strainingportion and a strong straining portion in patterns.

(19) The garment according to any one of the above items (1) to (16),wherein a strong straining portion is formed by laminating a film of asynthetic resin or rubber having elasticity on a predetermined part of amain body fabric of the garment or by impregnating or coating apredetermined part of a main body fabric of the garment with a solutionor emulsion of a synthetic resin or rubber having elasticity followed bydrying.

(20) The garment according to any one of the above items (1) to (19),wherein a strong straining portion has a straining force of 150 to 400gf.

(21) The garment according to any one of the above items (1) to (20),wherein the stretch fabric is a knitted fabric selected from a two-waystretch tricot and a stretch raschel.

(22) The garment according to any one of the above items (1) to (21),wherein:

the garment comprises a stretch fabric,

the garment covers at least a part of the lower body of a wearer, has acrotch part, and is worn by being fitted to the wearer's body, and

the garment is selected from a girdle, spats, sports tights, bodysuit,leotard and swimsuit.

(23) The garment according to any one of the above items (1) to (22),wherein:

the garment comprises a stretch fabric,

the garment covers at least a part of the lower body of a wearer, has acrotch part, and is worn by being fitted to the wearer's body, and

the garment has a leg part cylindrically covering regio femoralis of thewearer's body to at least a position lower than the crotch part.

(24) The garment according to any one of the above items (1) to (22),wherein:

the garment comprises a stretch fabric,

the garment covers at least a part of the lower body of a wearer, has acrotch part, and is worn by being fitted to the wearer's body,

the position of a lower end of the garment is approximately the same asor higher than the position of the crotch part; and

the garment does not have a leg part cylindrically covering regiofemoralis to at least a position lower than the crotch part.

The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following description read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals designate the same elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a long type girdle as a garment of the presentinvention in wearing condition.

FIG. 2 is a left side view of the long type girdle of FIG. 1 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the long type girdle of FIG. 1 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 4 is a front view of another embodiment of a long type girdle as agarment of the present invention in wearing condition.

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the long type girdle of FIG. 4 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the long type girdle of FIG. 4 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 7 is a front view of still another embodiment of a long type girdleas a garment of the present invention in wearing condition.

FIG. 8 is a left side view of the long type girdle of FIG. 7 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the long type girdle of FIG. 7 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 10 is a front view of still another embodiment of a long typegirdle as a garment of the present invention in wearing condition.

FIG. 11 is a left side view of the long type girdle of FIG. 10 inwearing condition.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the long type girdle of FIG. 10 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 13 is a front view of still another embodiment of a long typegirdle as a garment of the present invention in wearing condition.

FIG. 14 is a left side view of the long type girdle of FIG. 13 inwearing condition.

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the long type girdle of FIG. 13 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 16 is a front view of still another embodiment of a long typegirdle as a garment of the present invention in wearing condition.

FIG. 17 is a left side view of the long type girdle of FIG. 16 inwearing condition.

FIG. 18 is a rear view of the long type girdle of FIG. 16 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 19 is a front view of still another embodiment of a long typegirdle as a garment of the present invention in wearing condition.

FIG. 20 is a left side view of the long type girdle of FIG. 19 inwearing condition.

FIG. 21 is a rear view of the long type girdle of FIG. 19 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 22 is a front view of still another embodiment of a long typegirdle as a garment of the present invention in wearing condition.

FIG. 23 is a left side view of the long type girdle of FIG. 22 inwearing condition.

FIG. 24 is a rear view of the long type girdle of FIG. 22 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 25 is a left side view of still another embodiment of a long typegirdle as a garment of the present invention in wearing condition.

FIG. 26 is a rear view of the long type girdle of FIG. 25 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 27 is a front view of still another embodiment of a long typegirdle as a garment of the present invention in wearing condition.

FIG. 28 is a left side view of the long type girdle of FIG. 27 inwearing condition.

FIG. 29 is a rear view of the long type girdle of FIG. 27 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 30 is a left side view of still another embodiment of a long typegirdle as a garment of the present invention in wearing condition.

FIG. 31 is a rear view of the long type girdle of FIG. 30 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 32 is a left side view of still another embodiment of a long typegirdle as a garment of the present invention in wearing condition.

FIG. 33 is a rear view of the long type girdle of FIG. 32 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 34 is a front view of sports tights as a garment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 35 is a rear view of the sports tights of FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a left side view of the sports tights of FIG. 34.

FIG. 37 is a schematic sectional view of the sports tights of FIG. 35taken along the line A–A′.

FIG. 38 is a rear view of another embodiment of sports tights as agarment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a left side view of the sports tights of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a rear view of still another embodiment of sports tights as agarment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a left side view of the sports tights of FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a rear view of still another embodiment of sports tights as agarment of the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a left side view of the sports tights of FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 is a rear view of still another embodiment of sports tights as agarment of the present invention.

FIG. 45 is a left side view of the sports tights of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is a front view of a bodysuit as a garment of the presentinvention in wearing condition.

FIG. 47 is a rear view of the bodysuit of FIG. 46 in wearing condition.

FIG. 48 is a left side view of the bodysuit of FIG. 46 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 49 is a front view of still another embodiment of a bodysuit as agarment of the present invention in wearing condition.

FIG. 50 is a rear view of the bodysuit of FIG. 49 in wearing condition.

FIG. 51 is a left side view of the bodysuit of FIG. 49 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a long type girdle of the presentinvention from the front side.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the long type girdle of FIG. 52 fromthe rear side.

FIG. 54 is a plan view of a fabric used for a part from the back to theside front and a leg part of the girdle shown in FIGS. 52 to 53 beforecutting.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a short type girdle of the presentinvention from the front side.

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of the short type girdle of FIG. 55 fromthe rear side.

FIG. 57 is a plan view of a fabric used for a part from the back to theside front of the girdle shown in FIGS. 55 and 56 before cutting.

FIG. 58 is a front view of still another embodiment of a short typegirdle as a garment of the present invention in wearing condition.

FIG. 59 is a left side view of the short type girdle of FIG. 58 inwearing condition.

FIG. 60 is a rear view of the short type girdle of FIG. 58 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 61 is a front view of still another embodiment of a short typegirdle as a garment of the present invention in wearing condition.

FIG. 62 is a left side view of the short type girdle of FIG. 61 inwearing condition.

FIG. 63 is a rear view of the short type girdle of FIG. 61 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 64 is a front view of still another embodiment of a short typegirdle as a garment of the present invention in wearing condition.

FIG. 65 is a left side view of the short type girdle of FIG. 64 inwearing condition.

FIG. 66 is a rear view of the short type girdle of FIG. 64 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 67 is a front view of still another embodiment of a short typegirdle as a garment of the present invention in wearing condition.

FIG. 68 is a left side view of the short type girdle of FIG. 67 inwearing condition.

FIG. 69 is a rear view of the short type girdle of FIG. 67 in wearingcondition.

FIG. 70 is a drawing of bones and muscles in anterior human body.

FIG. 71 is a drawing of bones and muscles in posterior human body.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described withreference to the drawings. In the present invention, the names of partsof the body and parts corresponding to muscles and bones are used insome parts of the description for the positions on the garment where theportions with strong straining forces are arranged, that is, in whichparts of the garment main body of the present invention the portionswith strong straining forces are arranged. Thus, to make it easy tounderstand, first, the positions of the bones and muscles in a humanbody used to describe the positions of the portions with strongstraining forces, etc. in the present invention are explained.

FIG. 70 illustrates bones in anterior human body in its left half, andmuscles in anterior human body in its right half. FIG. 71 illustratesbones in posterior human body in its left half, and muscles in posteriorhuman body in its right half. In FIGS. 70 and 71, illustration anddescription are omitted partially for the muscles and bones in theregions not particularly necessary to describe the present invention.

In FIGS. 70 and 71, numeral 201 indicates vertebrae lumbalis; 201 aindicates first vertebra lumbalis; 201 b indicates second vertebralumbalis; 201 c indicates third vertebra lumbalis; 201 d indicatesfourth vertebra lumbalis; and 201 e indicates fifth vertebra lumbalis.Further, numeral 202 indicates os sacrum; 203 indicates pelvis (osilium); 204 indicates caput ossis femoris; 205 indicates trochantermajor; 206 indicates corpus ossis femoris; 207 indicates fibula; 208indicates tibia; 301 indicates musculus rectus abdominis; 302 indicatesmusculus obliquus externus abdominis; 303 indicates musculus sartorius;304 indicates musculus rectus femoris; 305 indicates musculus vastuslateralis; 306 indicates musculus vastus medialis; 307 indicates theposition of patella; 308 indicates musculus latissimus dorsi; 309indicates musculus gluteus medius; 310 indicates musculus gluteusmaximus; 311 indicates tractus iliotibialis; 312 indicates musculusbiceps femoris; 313 indicates musculus semitendinosus; 314 indicatesmusculus semimembranosus; 315 indicates musculus gastrocnemius; 315 aindicates musculus gastrocnemius in regio cruris lateralis; 315 bindicates musculus gastrocnemius in regio cruris medialis; 316 indicatesmusculus soleus; 316 a indicates musculus soleus in regio crurislateralis; 316 b indicates musculus soleus in regio cruris medialis; 317a indicates malleolus lateralis; 317 b indicates malleolus medialis; and318 indicates musculus tensor faciae latae. The direction of the musclefibers of each muscle is indicated by the length direction of the thinlines shown in each muscle in the drawings. The direction of musclefibers indicates the direction of muscle contraction. Although not shownin FIGS. 70 and 71, musculus obliquus internus abdominis existsapproximately on the back sides of musculus rectus abdominis andmusculus obliquus externus abdominis, and the direction of its musclefibers is approximately obliquely downward from the center front to theright and left of a human body. Because the positions, shapes and sizesof these bones and muscles are slightly different depending onindividuals, the above-described drawings of muscles and bones are shownas one representative example.

In the present invention, the term “in the vicinity of . . . ” is usedin the description of the positions on the garment where portions withstrong straining forces are arranged. This means that the positions maydeviate more or less from predetermined and specified positions as longas the object of the present invention is achieved. As described above,the positions, shapes and sizes of bones and muscles are differentdepending on individuals, and the size of the entire human body also isdifferent. Therefore, the positions on the garment where portions withstrong straining forces are arranged may deviate more or less frompredetermined and specified positions as long as the object of thepresent invention is achieved.

In the present invention, unless specified otherwise, a strong strainingportion has a main stretch direction approximately in the longitudinaldirection. The phrase “approximately in the longitudinal direction” isused because when the strong straining portion is formed of a fabric andhas a curved shape, it is difficult to obtain a fabric having a mainstretch direction in the longitudinal direction in every region.Furthermore, in a strong straining portion, “has a main stretchdirection approximately in the longitudinal direction” means that whenit is also stretchable in the direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction, its stretchability in the directionperpendicular to the longitudinal direction is the same or lower thanits stretchability in the longitudinal direction. It also includes thecase in which the strong straining portion does not have stretchabilityin the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In astrong straining portion, it is preferable that the stretchability inthe longitudinal direction is higher than the stretchability in thedirection perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

In the present invention, “connected” in the phrase “right and leftparts are connected at . . . ” includes the state in which right andleft parts are continuous without a seam, and also the state in whichright and left parts are connected by sewing, bonding, etc.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a front view, a left side view and a rear view of along type girdle as a garment of the present invention in wearingcondition, respectively. The long type girdle 10 a shown in FIGS. 1 to 3has, as a strong straining portion (A), a strong straining portion 1 inwhich right and left parts are connected at a position 2 on the backside of the girdle corresponding to from the fourth vertebra lumbalis toos sacrum of the wearer's body and which covers a region extending fromthe position 2 through the tops of the bulges of the buttocks orvicinities thereof in an approximately middle part of musculus gluteusmaximus at right and left approximately in the direction of musclefibers of musculus gluteus maximus to at least the vicinity oftrochanter major 3. Other parts of the main body of this girdle 10 acomprise a stretch fabric having a lower straining force than that ofthe strong straining portion. The strong straining portion 1 passesthrough the tops of the bulges of the buttocks or vicinities thereof inthe direction of the muscle fibers of musculus gluteus maximus. Inaddition, the right and left parts of the strong straining portion 1 areconnected at the position 2 on the back side of the girdle correspondingto from the fourth vertebra lumbalis to os sacrum of the wearer's body.Thus, musculus gluteus maximus can be supported firmly in the directionof its muscle fibers. Therefore, rotating motion of the hips issupported, and a decrease in the rotating angle of the hips isprevented. Accordingly, it can play a large role in stabilizing thepelvis in anterior-posterior direction, and for an elderly person iseffective in preventing falling down. It also can play a large role inextending the hip joint in anterior-posterior direction when running,jumping, and climbing up a slope. Furthermore, because the strongstraining portion covers the vicinity of trochanter major, a garmenthaving the functions of improving the joint between caput ossis femoris204 and acetabulum and increasing the stability of the hip joint can beprovided.

FIGS. 4 to 6 show a front view, a left side view and a rear view ofanother embodiment of a long type girdle as a garment of the presentinvention in wearing condition, respectively. The long type girdle 10 bshown in FIGS. 4 to 6 has, as the same strong straining portion (A), astrong straining portion 1 at the same position as that in the girdle 10a shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and further has, as a strong straining portion(B), a strong straining portion 5 in which right and left parts areconnected at a position 4 on musculus rectus abdominis in hypogastricregion and which covers a region extending obliquely downward from theposition 4 on musculus rectus abdominis in hypogastric regionapproximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus obliquusinternus abdominis at right and left to the vicinity of trochanter major3. Because other points are the same as those in the long type girdleshown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the same signs are applied to the same parts, anddetailed descriptions are omitted.

Because the girdle shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 has the strong strainingportion 1, the same effects as those of the girdle 10 a shown in FIGS. 1to 3 can be accomplished. In addition, this girdle has, as a strongstraining portion (B), the strong straining portion 5 in which right andleft parts are connected at the position 4 on musculus rectus abdominisin hypogastric region and which covers the region extending obliquelydownward from the position 4 on musculus rectus abdominis in hypogastricregion approximately in the direction of the muscle fibers of musculusobliquus internus abdominis at right and left to at least the vicinityof trochanter major 3. Therefore, a garment having the functions ofsupporting musculus rectus abdominis 301 in part and musculus obliquusinternus abdominis, reducing lumbar lordosis, maintaining good posture,making youthful figure, and preventing generation of pains such aslumbar pains can be provided.

Next, FIGS. 7 to 9 show a front view, a left side view and a rear viewof still another embodiment of a long type girdle as a garment of thepresent invention in wearing condition, respectively. The long typegirdle 10 c shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 has, as the same strong strainingportion (A), a strong straining portion 1 at the same position as thatin the girdle 10 a shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and further has, as a strongstraining portion (C), a strong straining portion 6 in which right andleft parts are connected at a position 4 on musculus rectus abdominis inhypogastric region and which covers a region extending obliquely upwardfrom the position 4 on musculus rectus abdominis in hypogastric regionapproximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus obliquusexternus abdominis at right and left to at least a position exceedingthe sides 7 of the wearer to the back side. Because other points are thesame as those in the long type girdle shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the samesigns are applied to the same parts, and detailed descriptions areomitted.

Because the girdle shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 has the strong strainingportion 1, the same effects as those of the girdle 10 a shown in FIGS. 1to 3 can be accomplished. In addition, this girdle has, as a strongstraining portion (C), the strong straining portion 6 in which right andleft parts are connected at the position 4 on musculus rectus abdominisin hypogastric region and which covers the region extending obliquelyupward from the position 4 on musculus rectus abdominis in hypogastricregion approximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculusobliquus externus abdominis at right and left to at least a positionexceeding the sides 7 of the wearer to the back side. Therefore, agarment having the functions of supporting musculus rectus abdominis 301in part and musculus obliquus externus abdominis 302, reducing lumbarlordosis, maintaining good posture, making youthful figure, andpreventing generation of pains such as lumbar pains can be provided.

Next, FIGS. 10 to 12 show a front view, a left side view and a rear viewof still another embodiment of a long type girdle as a garment of thepresent invention in wearing condition, respectively. The long typegirdle 10 d shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 has, as the same strong strainingportion (A), a strong straining portion 1 at the same position as in thegirdle 10 a shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and further has, as a strongstraining portion (D), a strong straining portion 9 in which right andleft parts are connected approximately in the vicinity of a position 8at the back center of the waist and which covers a region extending fromthe vicinity of the position 8 at the back center of the waist throughmusculus latissimus dorsi and musculus gluteus medius at right and leftand a part of musculus obliquus externus abdominis to at least aposition exceeding the sides 7 of the wearer to the front side. Becauseother points are the same as those in the long type girdle shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, the same signs are applied to the same parts, and detaileddescriptions are omitted.

Because the girdle shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 has the strong strainingportion 1, the same effects as those of the girdle 10 a shown in FIGS. 1to 3 can be accomplished. Furthermore, this girdle has, as a strongstraining portion (D), the strong straining portion 9 in which right andleft parts are connected approximately in the vicinity of the position 8at the back center of the waist and which covers a region extending fromthe vicinity of the position 8 at the back center of the waist throughmusculus latissimus dorsi 308 and musculus gluteus medius 309 at rightand left and a part of musculus obliquus externus abdominis 302 to atleast a position exceeding the sides 7 of the wearer to the front side.Therefore, the functions of preventing backward inclination of thepelvis and assisting to maintain a stable position of the pelvis can bedisplayed.

Next, FIGS. 13 to 15 show a front view, a left side view and a rear viewof still another embodiment of a long type girdle as a garment of thepresent invention in wearing condition, respectively. The long typegirdle 10 e shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 has a strong straining portion 1 asthe same strong straining portion (A) at the same position as in thegirdle 10 a shown in FIGS. 1 to 3; a strong straining portion 5 as thesame strong straining portion (B) at the same position as in the girdle10 b shown in FIGS. 4 to 6; a strong straining portion 6 as the samestrong straining portion (C) at the same position as in the long typegirdle 10 c shown in FIGS. 7 to 9; and a strong straining portion 9 asthe same strong straining portion (D) at the same position as in thelong type girdle 10 d shown in FIGS. 10 to 12. In this example, thestrong straining portions 5 and 6 are united at the position 4 onmusculus rectus abdominis in hypogastric region. The strong strainingportions 6 and 9 are united to form a strong straining portion 11. Thus,with the strong straining portions 1, 5, 6 and 9, a girdle having thesame effects in combination as those described for respective girdles 10a, 10 b, 10 c and 10 d shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 can be obtained. Also,because the strong straining portions 5 and 6 are united, the functionsof supporting abdominal muscles more strongly, reducing lumbar lordosis,maintaining good posture, making youthful figure, and preventinggeneration of pains such as lumbar pains are displayed more easily.Furthermore, because the strong straining portions 6 and 9 are united toform the strong straining portion 11, the functions of stronglysupporting the region from the vicinity of the position 8 at the backcenter of the waist through musculus latissimus dorsi 308 and musculusgluteus medius 309 at right and left and musculus obliquus externusabdominis 302, preventing backward inclination of the pelvis, andmaintaining a stable position of the pelvis are displayed more easily.

Next, FIGS. 16 to 18 show a front view, a left side view and a rear viewof still another embodiment of a long type girdle as a garment of thepresent invention in wearing condition, respectively. Compared with thegirdle 10 e shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, in the long type girdle 10 f shownin FIGS. 16 to 18, the portion indicated by the strong straining portion5 extends further from the vicinity of trochanter major 3 through alower part of the bulges of the buttocks. Indicating this extended partof the strong straining portion with numeral 12, the strong strainingportions 5 and 12 are united to form a strong straining portion (B2).Therefore, while this girdle can display the same excellent functions asthose of the girdle 10 e shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, because it has thestrong straining portion (B2), the function of pressing trochanter major3 is enhanced further, and the functions of improving the joint betweencaput ossis femoris 204 and acetabulum and increasing the stability ofthe hip joint are enhanced further. Furthermore, with the strongstraining portion 12, the function of keeping the bulges of the hips ina high position can be provided.

Next, FIGS. 19 to 21 show a front view, a left side view and a rear viewof still another embodiment of a long type girdle as a garment of thepresent invention in wearing condition, respectively. The long typegirdle 10 g shown in FIGS. 19 to 21 is compared with the girdle 10 fshown in FIGS. 16 to 18 as follows. In the girdle 10 f shown in FIGS. 16to 18, the strong straining portions 5 and 6 are united approximately atthe center of hypogastric region. On the other hand, in the long typegirdle 10 g shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, a strong straining portion (F) forpressing abdomen indicated by numeral 20, which has a main stretchdirection in the longitudinal direction of the garment, is present atthe center of hypogastric region.

That is, in this girdle 10 g, one end of each of right and left parts ofa strong straining portion 5 is connected to each of right and leftslightly lower sides of the strong straining portion (F) 20, and one endof each of right and left parts of a strong straining portion 6 isconnected to each of right and left upper sides of the strong strainingportion (F) 20. Because other points are the same as those in the longtype girdle shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the same signs are applied to thesame parts, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

In this girdle 10 g, because the right and left parts of the strongstraining portion 5 and the right and left parts of the strong strainingportion 6 are connected to each other through the strong strainingportion (F) 20, approximately the same functions as those of the girdleshown in FIGS. 19 to 21 can be displayed. Particularly, because thestrong straining portion (F) 20 is present, the functions of inhibitingthe swelling of superfluous flesh of the abdomen and adjusting the shapeof the abdomen more finely also are displayed. Furthermore, in FIGS. 19to 20, numeral 21 indicates a crotch part. Although the fabric formingthe crotch part is not particularly limited, in general, a fabricstretchable in the longitudinal direction is used.

Next, FIGS. 22 to 24 show a front view, a left side view and a rear viewof still another embodiment of a long type girdle as a garment of thepresent invention in wearing condition, respectively. The long typegirdle 10 h shown in FIGS. 22 to 24 is compared with the girdle 10 gshown in FIGS. 19 to 21 as follows. In the girdle 10 g shown in FIGS. 19to 21, the portion indicated by the strong straining portion 5 has thestrong straining portion 12 extending further from the vicinity oftrochanter major 3 through a lower part of the bulges of the buttocks.The strong straining portions 5 and 12 are united to form a strongstraining portion (B2). On the other hand, in the long type girdle 10 hshown in FIGS. 22 to 24, the portion indicated by the strong strainingportion 5 extends further from the vicinity of trochanter major 3 to thevicinity of a part a little higher than patella on the side where fibula(207 in FIG. 52) is present, covering at least a part of musculus bicepsfemoris, musculus semitendinosus, musculus semimembranosus, etc. inregio femoralis posterior, which are also called hamstrings. Whenindicating this extended part of the strong straining portion by symbol5 a, the strong straining portions 5 and 5 a are united to form a strongstraining portion (B3). Furthermore, in this long type girdle 10 h, theportion indicated by the strong straining portion 1 further extends fromthe vicinity of trochanter major 3 toward regio femoralis anteriormedialis to the vicinity of a part a little higher than patella on theside where tibia (208 in FIG. 52) is present, covering at least a partof musculus quadriceps femoris such as musculus sartorius, musculusrectus femoris, musculus vastus medialis, etc. approximately in thedirection of the muscle fibers thereof. When indicating this extendedpart of the strong straining portion by symbol 1 a, the strong strainingportions 1 and 1 a are united to form a strong straining portion (A2).Because other points are the same as those in the long type girdle shownin FIGS. 19 to 21, the same signs are applied to the same parts, anddetailed descriptions are omitted.

Except for the difference in the absence of the strong straining portion12, this girdle 10 h can display approximately the same functions asthose of the girdle shown in FIGS. 19 to 21. In addition, because thegirdle 10 h has the strong straining portions (A2) and (B3), thefunction of pressing trochanter major 3 is enhanced further, and thefunctions of improving the joint between caput ossis femoris 204 andacetabulum and increasing the stability of the hip joint are enhancedfurther. Furthermore, because the strong straining portions 1 a and 5 asupport musculus quadriceps femoris (musculus sartorius, musculus rectusfemoris, musculus vastus medialis, etc.), and musculus biceps femoris,musculus semitendinosus and musculus semimembranosus, which are alsocalled hamstrings, approximately in the direction of their musclecontraction, these muscles in legs are supported when playing sports,and also recovery from muscle fatigue caused by exhaustion of energy oraccumulation of lactic acid can be encouraged by generating a massageeffect and speeding up flows of blood and lymphocyte. Furthermore, thefunction of pressing the ground strongly backward in a running action,the function of jumping higher, the function of rising a foot, etc. areenhanced further. When an elderly person wears it, the functions ofpreventing falling down and increasing walking stability are enhancedfurther.

Next, FIGS. 25 to 26 show a left side view and a rear view of stillanother embodiment of a long type girdle as a garment of the presentinvention in wearing condition, respectively. Because the front view ofthis girdle is the same as FIG. 22, illustration is omitted. The girdle10 i shown in FIGS. 25 to 26 is compared with the girdle 10 h shown inFIGS. 22 to 24 as follows. In the girdle 10 h shown in FIGS. 22 to 24,the right and left parts of the strong straining portion 1 are connectedat the position 2 on the back side of the girdle corresponding to fromthe fourth vertebra lumbalis to os sacrum of the wearer's body. On theother hand, in the girdle 10 i shown in FIGS. 25 to 26, the right andleft parts of the strong straining portion 1 are connected at theposition 2 a on the back side of the girdle corresponding to os sacrumof the wearer's body. Because other points are the substantially thesame as those in the long type girdle 10 h shown in FIGS. 22 to 24, thesame signs are applied to the same parts, and detailed descriptions areomitted.

In the girdle 10 i shown in FIGS. 25 to 26, the area of musculus gluteusmaximus covered by the strong straining portion 1 is a little smallerthan that in the long type girdle 10 h shown in FIGS. 22 to 24, and thefunction of the strong straining portion 1 is reduced a little by theproportion of the decreased area. However, the girdle 10 i still cansupport musculus gluteus maximus sufficiently in the direction of itsmuscle fibers. Therefore, with the girdle 10 i shown in FIGS. 25 to 26,a girdle that can display approximately the same functions as those ofthe long type girdle 10 h shown in FIGS. 22 to 24 can be obtained.

Next, FIGS. 27 to 29 show a front view, a left side view and a rear viewof still another embodiment of a long type girdle as a garment of thepresent invention in wearing condition, respectively. In the long typegirdle 10 j shown in FIGS. 27 to 29, the arrangement of the strongstraining portions 5 and 6 on the front side is the same as that shownin the front view of the girdle shown in FIG. 13. Furthermore, thegirdle 10 j is the same as the girdle shown in FIG. 26 in that right andleft parts of the strong straining portion 1 are connected at theposition 2 a on the back side of the girdle corresponding to os sacrumof the wearer's body. This girdle is peculiar in that the strongstraining portions 1 and 5 are combined at the position of trochantermajor 3, and it further has a strong straining portion 1 b extendingfrom the position of trochanter major 3 downward approximately in thedirection of muscle fibers of tractus iliotibialis (see 311 of FIG. 71)to a part a little higher than patella. The strong straining portion inwhich the strong straining portion 1 is united with the strong strainingportions 1 b or a strong straining portions 1 c described below withreference to FIG. 31 is referred to as a strong straining portion (A3).

In the girdle 10 j shown in FIGS. 27 to 29, because the portionindicated by the strong straining portion 5 is united with the strongstraining portion 1 in the vicinity of trochanter major 3, and furtherhas the strong straining portion 1 b extending downward approximately inthe direction of muscle fibers of tractus iliotibialis to patella, thevicinity of trochanter major 3 can be pulled and pressed from threedirections of the strong straining portions 5, 1 and 1 b. Compared withthe girdle shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the function of pressing trochantermajor 3 is enhanced further, and the functions of improving the jointbetween caput ossis femoris 204 and acetabulum and increasing thestability of the hip joint are enhanced further. In addition, the strongstraining portions 6, 5 and 9 located at the same positions as those inthe girdle of FIGS. 13 to 15 display the same functions as those of thegirdle shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, and the strong straining portion 1located at the same position as that in the girdle shown in FIGS. 25 to26 displays the same function as that of the girdle of FIGS. 25 to 26.

Next, FIGS. 30 to 31 show a left side view and a rear view of stillanother embodiment of a long type girdle as a garment of the presentinvention in wearing condition, respectively. Because the front view ofthis girdle is the same as FIG. 27, illustration is omitted. The longtype girdle 10 k shown in FIGS. 30 to 31 is compared with the long typegirdle 10 j shown in FIGS. 27 to 29 as follows. In the girdle 10 j shownin FIGS. 27 to 29, the strong straining portion 1 is united with thestrong straining portion 5 at the position of trochanter major 3, andthe strong straining portion 1 further has a strong straining portions 1b extending downward from the position of trochanter major 3approximately in the direction of muscle fibers of tractus iliotibialisto patella. On the other hand, in the long type girdle 10 k shown inFIGS. 30 to 31, the strong straining portions 1 and 5 are united at theposition of trochanter major 3, and the strong straining portion 1further has a strong straining portion 1 c extending obliquely downwardfrom the position of trochanter major 3 to the medial side of thewearer's body approximately in the direction of muscle fibers ofmusculus vastus lateralis (see 305 in FIG. 70) to a part a little higherthan patella. Musculus vastus lateralis is supported by the strongstraining force 1 c, and the functions of generating a massage effect onthis muscle and encouraging recovery from muscle fatigue, etc. aredisplayed. For other points, approximately the same functions as thoseof the girdle 10 j shown in FIGS. 27 to 29 can be displayed.

Next, FIGS. 32 and 33 show a left side view and a rear view of stillanother embodiment of a long type girdle as a garment of the presentinvention in wearing condition, respectively. Because the front view ofthis girdle is the same as FIG. 27, illustration is omitted. The longtype girdle 10 m shown in FIGS. 32 to 33 is compared with the girdle 10j shown in FIGS. 27 to 29 as follows. In the girdle 10 j shown in FIGS.27 to 29, the strong straining portions 1 is united with the strongstraining portion 5 at the position of trochanter major 3, and itfurther has the strong straining portion 1 b extending downward from theposition of trochanter major 3 approximately in the direction of musclefibers of tractus iliotibialis to patella. On the other hand, in thelong type girdle 10 m shown in FIGS. 32 to 33, the strong strainingportion 1 is united with the strong straining portion 5 at the positionof trochanter major 3, and in the same manner as in the girdle of FIGS.23 and 24, the strong straining portion 5 further extends from thevicinity of trochanter major 3 to the vicinity of the upper end offibula, covering at least a part of hamstrings in regio femoralisposterior. The strong straining portions 5 and 5 a are united to form astrong straining portion (B3). Because the strong straining portions 5 asupport musculus quadriceps femoris and hamstrings approximately in thedirection of muscle contraction, when playing sports, the function ofencouraging recovery from muscle fatigue by a massage effect on thesemuscles in legs, the function of pressing the ground strongly backwardin a running action, the function of jumping higher, the function ofrising a foot, etc. are enhanced further. When an elderly person wearsit, the functions of preventing falling down and increasing walkingstability are enhanced further. For other functions, approximately thesame functions as those of the girdle 10 j in FIGS. 27 to 29 can bedisplayed.

Next, FIGS. 34 to 36 show a front view, a rear view and a left side viewof sports tights as a garment of the present invention in wearingcondition, respectively. FIG. 37 is a schematic sectional view of FIG.35 taken along the line A–A′. In the sports tights 30 a shown in FIGS.34 to 37, the strong straining portions 6, 5 and 9 are the same as thoseof the girdle 10 k shown in FIGS. 30 to 31. In the sports tights 30 ashown in FIGS. 34 to 37, the strong straining portion 1 has a strongstraining portion 1 e covering a region further from the vicinity oftrochanter major 3 through the vicinity of tractus iliotibialis andmusculus vastus lateralis approximately in the direction of their musclefibers to a side of patella 35, and further from the side of patella 35through the vicinity of musculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus inregio cruris lateralis approximately in the direction of their musclefibers to the vicinity of an upper part of malleolus lateralis so as tosupport musculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus. The strong strainingportion comprising the strong straining portions 1 and 1 e is referredto as a strong straining portion (A4). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 37,the sports tights 30 a further have a strong straining portion (E) 31extending further from regio femoralis medialis through musculus vastusmedialis approximately in the direction of its muscle fibers to a sideof patella 35 so as to support musculus vastus medialis, and furtherfrom the side of patella 35 through the vicinity of musculusgastrocnemius and musculus soleus in regio cruris medialis approximatelyin the direction of their muscle fibers to the vicinity of an upper partof malleolus medialis so as to support musculus gastrocnemius andmusculus soleus.

Describing the genu region in more detail with reference to FIG. 34, itis preferable that in the strong straining portion 1 e on the lateralside, two mountains 36 and 37 are formed on the medial sides of theupper and lower parts with respect to patella 35 so as to avoid patella35, and in the strong straining portion 31 on the medial side, twomountains 40 and 41 are formed on the lateral sides of the upper andlower parts with respect to patella 35 so as to avoid patella 35, whilethe opposing two mountains 40 and 41 and two mountains and 36 and 37cross each other. By having such a structure in the genu region, thesports tights have the function of supporting ligamentum patellae andligamentum collaterale. The arrangement of the strong straining portionsin the genu region is not limited to the above-described embodiment.Other parts of the main body of the sports tights 30 a comprise astretch fabric having a smaller straining force than those of theabove-mentioned strong straining portions. In FIG. 35, numeral 22schematically shows the position of sulcus gluteus.

In the sports tights 30 a shown in FIGS. 34 to 37, musculus gluteusmaximus can be supported firmly in the direction of its muscle fibers bythe strong straining portion 1. Therefore, it can play a large role inextending the hip joint, particularly for the stability of the pelvis inanterior-posterior direction. Furthermore, it is effective in preventinga decrease in the rotating angle of the hips to the right and left, andfor an elderly person in preventing falling down. Furthermore, it canplay a large role in extending the hip joint in anterior-posteriordirection when running, jumping, and climbing up a slope. Furthermore,because the strong straining portions 1, 1 e and 5 cover the vicinity oftrochanter major 3 from three directions, the joint between caput ossisfemoris 204 and acetabulum can be improved further, and the stability ofthe hip joint can be increased. Furthermore, in this sports tights 30 a,because the strong straining portions 5 and 6 are united at the position4 on musculus rectus abdominis in hypogastric region, the functions ofsupporting abdominal muscles more strongly, reducing lumbar lordosis,maintaining good posture, making youthful figure, and preventinggeneration of pains such as lumbar pains are displayed more easily.Furthermore, because the strong straining portions 6 and 9 are united toform the strong straining portion 11, the functions of stronglysupporting the region from the vicinity of the position 8 at the backcenter of the waist through musculus latissimus dorsi 308 and musculusgluteus medius 309 at right and left and musculus obliquus externusabdominis 302 more strongly, preventing backward inclination of thepelvis, and maintaining a stable position of the pelvis are displayedmore easily. Furthermore, because the sports tights 30 a have a strongstraining portion (A4) comprising the strong straining portions 1 and 1e and a strong straining portion (E) comprising the strong strainingportion 31, when playing sports, a massage effect is generated on themuscles in leg regions supported by these strong straining portions, andthe function of encouraging the recovery from fatigue of these musclesis displayed. Furthermore, when an elderly person wears it, itsfunctions of preventing falling down and increasing walking stabilityare enhanced further.

Next, FIGS. 38 to 39 show a rear view and a left side view of anotherembodiment of sports tights as a garment of the present invention,respectively. Because its front view is the same as FIG. 34,illustration is omitted.

The sport tights 30 b shown in FIGS. 38 to 39 is compared with thesports tights 30 a shown in FIGS. 34 to 37 as follows. In the sportstights 30 a shown in FIGS. 34 to 37, the lower end of the portionindicated by the strong straining portion 5 is located in the vicinityof trochanter major 3. On the other hand, in the sports tights 30 bshown in FIGS. 38 to 39, the portion indicated by the strong strainingportion 5 further extends from the vicinity of trochanter major 3 to apart a little higher than patella on the side where fibula (207 in FIG.70) is present, covering at least a part of hamstrings in regiofemoralis posterior. The strong straining portions 5 and 5 a are unitedto form a strong straining portion (B3). Because other points are thesame as those in the sports tights 30 a shown in FIGS. 34 to 37, thesame signs are applied to the same parts, and detailed descriptions areomitted.

Because the sports tights 30 b have the same functions as those of thesports tights 30 a shown in FIGS. 34 to 37, and also has a strongstraining portion (B3) in which the strong straining portions 5 and 5 aare united in the vicinity of trochanter major 3, the function ofpressing trochanter major 3 is enhanced further, and the functions ofimproving the joint between caput ossis femoris 204 and acetabulum andincreasing the stability of the hip joint are enhanced further.Furthermore, because the strong straining portion 5 a supports musculusbiceps femoris, musculus semitendinosus and musculus semimembranosus,which are also called hamstrings, approximately in the direction oftheir muscle contraction, when playing sports, etc., the function ofpressing the ground strongly backward in a running action, the functionof jumping higher, the function of rising a foot, etc. are enhancedfurther. Furthermore, a massage effect is generated on these muscles,and the recovery from fatigue of these muscles is encouraged.Furthermore, when an elderly person wears it, its functions ofpreventing falling down and increasing walking stability are enhancedfurther.

FIGS. 40 to 41 show a rear view and a left side view of still anotherembodiment of sports tights as a garment of the present invention,respectively. The front view of the sports tights is approximately thesame as FIG. 34 except that the strong straining portions 5 and 6 do notexist.

The sports tights 30 c shown in FIGS. 40 to 41 has, as a strongstraining portion (A), a strong straining portion 1 in which right andleft parts are connected at a position 2 on the back side of the sportstights corresponding to the region from the fourth vertebra lumbalis toos sacrum of the wearer's body and which covers a region from theposition 2 through the tops of the bulges of the buttocks or vicinitiesthereof in an approximately middle part of musculus gluteus maximus atright and left approximately in the direction of muscle fibers ofmusculus gluteus maximus to at least the vicinity of trochanter major 3.Furthermore, the sports tights 30 c has a strong straining portion Ifthat covers a region extending from a part corresponding to a side ofthe waist of the wearer's body to the vicinity of trochanter major 3approximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus gluteusmedius (this part is indicated by numeral 25), further from the vicinityof trochanter major 3 through the vicinity of tractus iliotibialis andmusculus vastus lateralis approximately in the direction of their musclefibers to a side of patella 35, and further from the side of patella 35through the vicinity of musculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus inregio cruris lateralis approximately in the direction of their musclefibers to the vicinity of an upper part of malleolus lateralis so as tosupport musculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus. Furthermore, inregio cruris medialis, in the same way as shown in FIG. 37, the sportstights 30 c has a strong straining portion (E) 31 extending from regiofemoralis medialis through musculus vastus medialis approximately in thedirection of its muscle fibers to a side of patella 35 so as to supportmusculus vastus medialis, and further from the side of patella 35through the vicinity of musculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus inregio cruris medialis in the direction of their muscle fibers to thevicinity of an upper part of malleolus medialis so as to supportmusculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus. Because the features in genuregion are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 34, thesame signs are applied to the same parts, and descriptions are omitted.

In the sports tights 30 c shown in FIGS. 40 to 41, musculus gluteusmaximus can be supported in the direction of its muscle fibers by thestrong straining portion 1. Furthermore, musculus gluteus medius can besupported in the direction of its muscle fibers by the part in thestrong straining portion 1 f indicated by 25. Therefore, it can play alarge role in extending the hip joint, particularly for the stability ofthe pelvis in anterior-posterior direction. It is effective insupporting a rotating motion of the hips, preventing a decrease inrotatable angle of the hips, and for an elderly person in preventingfalling down. Furthermore, it can play a large role in extending the hipjoint in anterior-posterior direction when running, jumping, andclimbing up a slope. Furthermore, because the strong straining portions1 and 1 f cover the vicinity of trochanter major 3 from threedirections, and the part in the strong straining portion 1 f indicatedby 25 pulls the force applied to trochanter major 3 upwardlyapproximately in a straight line, the joint between caput ossis femoris204 and acetabulum can be improved further, and the stability of the hipjoint can be increased. Furthermore, with the part lower than trochantermajor 3 in the strong straining portion 1 f and the strong strainingportion (E) 31 in regio cruris medialis, when playing sports, the sportstights 30 c exhibit the functions of generating a massage effect on themuscles supported by these strong straining portions and encouraging therecovery from fatigue of these muscles.

Next, FIGS. 42 to 43 show a rear view and a left side view of stillanother embodiment of sports tights as a garment of the presentinvention, respectively. The front view of these sports tights isapproximately the same as FIG. 34 except that the strong strainingportions 5 and 6 do not exist. Comparing the sport tights 30 d shown inFIGS. 42 to 43 with the sports tights 30 c shown in FIGS. 40 to 41, maindifferences are as follows:

(1) In the sports tights 30 c shown in FIGS. 40 to 41, right and leftparts of the strong straining portion 1 are connected at the position 2on the back side of the sports tights corresponding to the region fromthe fourth vertebra lumbalis to os sacrum of the wearer's body. On theother hand, in the sports tights 30 d shown in FIGS. 42 to 43, right andleft parts of the strong straining portion 1 are connected at theposition 2 a on the back side of the sports tights corresponding to ossacrum of the wearer's body.

(2) Comparing with the upper part 25 of the strong straining portion 1 fin the sports tights 30 c shown in FIGS. 40 to 41, an upper part 26 ofthe strong straining portion 1 g in the sports tights 30 d shown inFIGS. 42 to 43 is curved slightly toward the front side of the wearer'sbody, and covers musculus tensor faciae latae and a lateral part ofmusculus gluteus medius approximately in the direction of their musclefibers.

(3) The sports tights 30 d shown in FIGS. 42 to 43 further has, as astrong straining portion (D), a strong straining portion 9 in whichright and left parts are connected approximately in the vicinity of theposition 8 at the back center of the waist and which covers a regionfrom the vicinity of the position 8 at the back center of the waist tomusculus latissimus dorsi and musculus gluteus medius at right and leftand a part of musculus obliquus externus abdominis. The strong strainingportion 9 is united with the strong straining portion 1 g.

Although there are some differences in the points (1) and (2) betweenthe sports tights 30 c and 30 d, there are few differences in functionbased on the differences in these points, and these sports tights haveapproximately the same functions. However, because the sports tights 30d further has the strong straining portion 9 as described in (3),compared with the sports tights 30 c, it further has the functions ofpreventing backward inclination of the pelvis and assisting to keep astable position of the pelvis.

Next, FIGS. 44 to 45 show a rear view and a left side view of stillanother embodiment of sports tights as a garment of the presentinvention, respectively. The front view of these sports tights isapproximately the same as FIG. 34 except that the strong strainingportions 5 and 6 do not exist. Comparing the sports tights 30 e shown inFIGS. 44 to 45 with the sports tights 30 c shown in FIGS. 40 to 41, maindifferences are as follows:

(1) The sports tights 30 e shown in FIGS. 44 to 45 further has a strongstraining portion 12 extending from the vicinity of trochanter major 3through a lower part of the bulges of the buttocks.

(2) The sports tights 30 e shown in FIGS. 44 to 45 further has, as astrong straining portion (D), a strong straining portion 9 in whichright and left parts are connected approximately in the vicinity of aposition 8 at the back center of the waist and which covers a regionfrom the vicinity of the position 8 at the back center of the waistthrough musculus latissimus dorsi and musculus gluteus medius at rightand left and a part of musculus obliquus externus abdominis. The strongstraining portion 9 is connected to the upper end of the strongstraining portion 1 f.

Therefore, this sports tights 30 e has the same functions as those ofthe sports tights 30 c shown in FIGS. 40 to 41. In addition, because thesports tights 30 e has the strong straining portion 12, its function ofpressing trochanter major 3 is enhanced further, and is functions ofimproving the joint between caput ossis femoris 204 and acetabulum andincreasing the stability of the hip joint are enhanced further.Furthermore, this strong straining portion 12 can provide the functionof keeping the bulges of the hips in a high position. Furthermore,because the sport tights 30 e has the strong straining portion 9, andthe strong straining portion 9 is connected to the upper end of thestrong straining portion 1 f, compared with the sports tights 30 c, thesports tights 30 e further has the functions of preventing backwardinclination of the pelvis and assisting to keep a stable position of thepelvis.

Next, FIGS. 46 to 48 show a front view, a rear view and a left side viewof a bodysuit as a garment of the present invention in wearingcondition, respectively.

In the bodysuit 60 a shown in FIGS. 46 to 48, the upper body section isindicated by numeral 50, and the lower body section is indicated bynumeral 51. This bodysuit 60 a is of the type in which the lower bodysection 51 has a relatively long length to the lower end. The upper bodysection has cloth pieces 52 covering a part of the back region of thewearer while serving as straps. The arrangement of each strong strainingportion in the lower body section 51 is substantially the same as thatin the girdle 10 g shown in FIGS. 19 to 21. Therefore, the same signsare applied to the same parts as in the girdle 10 g, and descriptionsthereof are omitted. Thus, this bodysuit 60 a can display substantiallythe same functions as in the case of the girdle 10 g shown in FIGS. 19to 21.

Next, FIGS. 49 to 51 show a front view, a rear view and a left side viewof still another embodiment of a bodysuit as a garment of the presentinvention in wearing condition, respectively.

The bodysuit 60 b is different from the bodysuit 60 a shown in FIGS. 46to 48 only in that while the bodysuit 60 a shown in FIGS. 46 to 48 is ofthe type in which the lower body section 51 has a relatively long lengthto the lower end, the bodysuit 60 b shown in FIGS. 49 to 51 is of thetype in which the lower body section 51 has a short length to the lowerend. They are substantially the same in other parts. Therefore, the samesigns are applied to the same parts as in the bodysuit 60 a shown inFIGS. 46 to 48, and descriptions thereof are omitted. Thus, thisbodysuit 60 b can display substantially the same functions as in thebodysuit 60 a shown in FIGS. 46 to 48.

Next, an example of a garment formed by knitting strong strainingportions and weak straining portions in predetermined patternsdifferently by changing stitches is shown.

In the following example, an embodiment is described for each of a longtype girdle (FIGS. 52 to 54) and a short type girdle (FIGS. 55 to 57)among garments formed by knitting different portions with four grades ofstraining forces: that is, three types of strong straining portions,namely, a strong straining portion with most strong straining force(hereinafter referred to as the first strong straining portion); aportion with second most strong straining force (hereinafter referred toas the second strong straining portion); and a portion with third moststrong straining force (hereinafter referred to as the third strongstraining portion), which has a straining force weaker than that of thesecond strong straining portion but is stronger than that of a weakstraining portion; and other portions as a weak straining portion.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a long type girdle of the presentinvention from the front side; FIG. 53 is a perspective view thereoffrom the rear side; and FIG. 54 is a plan view of a fabric used for apart from the back to the side front and a leg part of this girdlebefore cutting.

The long type girdle 10 n shown in FIGS. 52 to 54 is relatively similarto the girdle 10 g shown in FIGS. 19 to 21. When compared, in the girdle10 g shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, right and left parts of the strongstraining portion 1 are connected at the position 2 on the back side ofthe girdle corresponding to from the fourth vertebra lumbalis to ossacrum of the wearer's body. On the other hand, in the girdle 10 n shownin FIGS. 52 to 54, right and left parts of the strong straining portion1 are connected at the position 2 a on the back side of the girdlecorresponding to os sacrum of the wearer's body. Furthermore, in thegirdle 10 n shown in FIGS. 52 to 54, a strong straining portion 6 isbent downward at the sides of a strong straining portion (F) forpressing abdomen, and further extends along the upper sides of strongstraining portions 5 and 1. Furthermore, in the girdle 10 n shown inFIGS. 52 to 54, strong straining portions 70 further exist at lowerends. Because other points are substantially the same as those in thelong type girdle 10 g shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, the same signs areapplied to the same parts, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

Furthermore, this long type girdle was formed by knitting anddifferentiating the strong straining portions into four grades of thefirst strong straining portion, the second strong straining portion, thethird strong straining portion, and the weak straining portion asdescribed above. The knitting of these different portions may use anystitch, and any method of knitting that can adjust the knitted densityor the tension of yarn may be employed. In this embodiment, four gradesof the first strong straining portion, the second strong strainingportion, the third strong straining portion and the weak strongstraining portion as described above were differentiated by changing thestitch appearing on the front side of a warp knitted fabric by jacquardknitting, which can knit a portion with a relatively strong strainingforce with a stronger straining force than circular knitting, and hasgood appearance and is resistant to fraying due to a run, etc.

That is, the ground knitted fabric formed by jacquard knitting comprisesa warp knitted fabric knitted with an inelastic yarn using an elasticyarn as insert yarn. By changing the stitch appearing on the front sideof the ground knitted fabric depending on the requirement of thestrength of the straining force thereby to form predetermined portionswith relatively strong straining forces and relatively weak strainingforces in patterns in predetermined parts, different portions withdesired straining forces can be knitted at predetermined positions inpredetermined patterns depending on the requirement of the strength ofstraining forces.

In this embodiment, knitting was carried out by varying power netstitches as described above. The first strong straining portion, thesecond strong straining portion, and the third strong straining portionwere knitted with respective satin-like net stitches, and the weakstraining portion was knitted with a mesh-like net stitch.

This ground knitted fabric can be produced, for example, by the methodas follows: using a warp knitting machine having a jacquard controlapparatus (for example, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,512 (corresponding to JP6(1994)-166934 A)), or specifically, a high-speed jacquard raschelmachine “RSJ 4/1” having deflecting transducers mounted to yarn guidebars, which is manufactured by Karl Mayer Textilmaschinenfabric GmbH(marketed by Japan Mayer Ltd.), commands are inputted into the computerof the warp knitting machine having a jacquard control apparatus so thatpredetermined stitches are formed at predetermined positions withrespect to each wale and each course.

In this embodiment, the strong straining portions were differentiatedinto three grades of the first strong straining portion, the secondstrong straining portion and the third strong straining portion byhaving a racking of at least two needles (two needles in this case) in alarge, medium or small proportion in one repeat knitted unit. A rackingof two needles can be accomplished by the method as follows: whenknitting a wale, (1) the stitch is racked to the adjacent wale, (2) andthen the stitch is returned to the original wale. The straining force ofa strong straining portion can be enhanced further by having more ofabove (1) and (2) in one repeat knitted unit. Furthermore, in thisembodiment, a mesh-like net stitch having a larger space and a lowerdensity of yarn per unit than a satin-like net stitch was used in theweak straining portion.

Such knitting of different portions is described in detail, for example,in WO99/53779, which can be referenced if necessary.

In this embodiment, as the yarn forming the ground knitted fabric, anylon yarn of 20 denier was used for both the yarn appearing on thefront side and the yarn appearing on the back side. As insert yarn, onepolyurethane elastic yarn of 280 denier and one polyurethane elasticyarn of 40 denier were used for each wale. The polyurethane elastic yarnof 40 denier was inserted while winding with respect to the waledirection, in other words, to reach a plurality of wales so thatstretchability was expressed in two directions, namely, not only in thewale direction, but also in the course direction in perpendicular to thewale direction. The polyurethane elastic yarn of 280 denier was insertedapproximately on the same wale, and contributes mainly to thestretchability in the wale direction. Regardless of the change in thestitch appearing on the front side of the ground knitted fabric, thesepolyurethane elastic yarns were inserted approximately uniformly in theentire ground knitted fabric by the above-described method andproportion. The ratio of the nylon yarn and the polyurethane elasticyarns used in the entire fabric was 80 wt. % of the nylon yarn to 20 wt.% of the polyurethane elastic yarns.

The long type girdle shown in FIGS. 52 to 53 has, as a strong strainingportion (A), the strong straining portion 1 in which right and leftparts are connected at the position 2 a on the back side of the girdlecorresponding to os sacrum of the wearer's body and which covers aregion from the position 2 a through the tops of the bulges of thebuttocks or vicinities thereof in an approximately middle part ofmusculus gluteus maximus at right and left approximately in thedirection of muscle fibers of musculus gluteus maximus to at least thevicinity of trochanter major 3. In the strong straining portion 1, thesection corresponding to the region where trochanter major 3 is presentis formed of the first strong straining portion having a racking of twoneedles in a large proportion, and the strong straining portion 1 otherthan the section corresponding to the region where trochanter major 3 ispresent is formed of the second strong straining portion having aracking of two needles in a medium proportion. The strong strainingportion (F) indicated by numeral 20 for pressing abdomen at the centerof hypogastric region is formed of the second strong straining portion.

The strong straining portion 5 connected to right and left slightlylower sides of the strong straining portion (F) 20 and the strongstraining portion 12 connected to the strong straining portion 5 throughthe section corresponding to the region where trochanter major 3 ispresent are united to form a strong straining portion (B2). Other thanthe section corresponding to the region where trochanter major 3 ispresent, the strong straining portions 5 and 12 are formed of the secondstrong straining portion.

Furthermore, the strong straining portions 6 as one embodiment of thestrong straining portion (C), and the portion indicated by the strongstraining portion 9 as the strong straining portion (D) that covers thewaist region at the rear of the strong straining portion 6 integrallyare formed of the third strong straining portion. The strong strainingportions 70 at the lower ends of the girdle are formed of the secondstrong straining portion.

Other parts, namely, an upper part of the buttocks indicated by 71,parts of leg regions indicated by 72, a part a little higher thangluteal cleft at right and left indicated by 73, and an upper part ofthe abdomen indicated by 74 are formed of a mesh-like net stitch as theweak straining portion.

This girdle also has, as a strong straining portion (A), the strongstraining portion 1 in which right and left parts are connected at theposition 2 a on the back side of the girdle corresponding to os sacrumof the wearer's body and which covers the region from the position 2 athrough the tops of the bulges of the buttocks or vicinities thereof inan approximately middle part of musculus gluteus maximus at right andleft approximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus gluteusmaximus to at least the vicinity of trochanter major 3. Therefore,musculus gluteus maximus can be supported firmly in the direction of itsmuscle fibers. Thus, it can play a large role in supporting the rotatingmotion of the hips, preventing a decrease in the rotating angle of thehips, and stabilizing the pelvis in anterior-posterior direction. For anelderly person, it is effective in preventing falling down. Furthermore,it can play a large role in extending the hip joint inanterior-posterior direction when running, jumping, and climbing up aslope.

Furthermore, the portion indicated by the strong straining portion 5 isunited with the strong straining portion 12 extending further from thevicinity of trochanter major 3 to a lower part of the bulges of thebuttocks to form a strong straining portion (B2). Thus, in this girdle,because of the presence of the strong straining portion (B2), thefunction of pressing trochanter major 3 is enhanced further, and thefunctions of improving the joint between caput ossis femoris 204 andacetabulum and increasing the stability of the hip joint are enhancedfurther. Furthermore, with the strong straining portion 12, the functionof keeping the bulges of the hips in a high position can be provided.

Furthermore, because right and left parts of the strong strainingportion 5 and right and left parts of the strong straining portion 6 areconnected to each other through the strong straining portion (F) 20, thefunctions of supporting abdominal muscles more strongly, reducing lumbarlordosis, maintaining good posture, making youthful figure, andpreventing generation of pains such as lumbar pains can be displayedmore easily. Furthermore, because the strong straining portions 6 and 9are united to form the strong straining portion 11, the functions ofsupporting the region from the vicinity of the position 8 at the backcenter of the waist through musculus latissimus dorsi 308 and musculusgluteus medius 309 at right and left and musculus obliquus externusabdominis 302 more strongly, preventing backward inclination of thepelvis, and keeping a stable position of the pelvis are displayed moreeasily.

Furthermore, because the strong straining portions 70 at the lower endsare formed of the second strong straining portion, sliding-up of thelower ends can be prevented. Because these portions press the thighs inthe form of a sheet, compared with the case in which a rubber tape orthe like is attached to the lower ends, the thighs are not compressedlinearly to cut into flesh, and it has excellent wearing comfort.

Moreover, in this girdle, because the strong straining portions are notformed by lining with a cloth or the like but are formed by changingstitches, there is substantially no difference in level at a boundarybetween strong straining portions and weak straining portions.Therefore, there is no possibility that such a difference in level atthe boundary is reflected into an outer wear and appears on the outerwear, deteriorating the appearance of the wearer.

FIG. 54 is a plan view of a fabric used for a part from the back to theside front and a leg part of this girdle before cutting. The sectionenclosed by a broken line A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A indicates a cutting line of abody fabric (fabric for covering) for the region from the front to theback on the right side other than the strong straining portion 20 andthe upper abdomen part 74 in FIG. 52. The section 75 enclosed by abroken line H-I-J is a cutting line of a piece corresponding to thecrotch. The G-F line is the center line at the back of the girdle.Because the same signs are applied to the same parts in FIG. 54 as inFIGS. 52 and 53, it is easy to understand which of the respective partsshown in FIG. 54 constitutes any part in FIGS. 52 and 53. In FIG. 54,the direction in which the yarn forming this jacquard raschel warpknitted fabric is supplied, namely, the wale direction, is indicated byan arrow S.

The girdle shown in this embodiment is comprised of a total of fourfabrics, namely, two for right and left body sides of the fabric shownin FIG. 54, which is used for a part from the back to the side front anda leg part of the girdle; the crotch cloth piece indicated by 75; and anabdomen cloth in which the upper abdomen part 74 and the strongstraining portion (F) 20 for pressing abdomen in FIG. 52 are knitteddifferently and united.

Next, referring to FIGS. 55 to 57, a short type girdle as an embodimentof a garment of the present invention is described.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a short type girdle of the presentinvention from the front side; FIG. 56 is a perspective view thereoffrom the back side; and FIG. 57 is a plan view of a fabric used for apart from the back to the side front of this girdle before cutting.

The short type girdle 10 p shown in FIGS. 55 to 57 has relativelysimilar parts to those in the long type girdle 10 n shown in FIGS. 52 to54. Therefore, the same signs are applied to the same parts as in thelong type girdle 10 n, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

In this short type girdle 10 p, right and left parts of the strongstraining portion 1 also are connected at a position 2 a on the backside of the girdle corresponding to os sacrum of the wearer's body.Furthermore, in the same manner as in the girdle 10 n shown in FIGS. 52to 54, a strong straining portion 6 is bent downward at the sides of astrong straining portion (F) for pressing abdomen, and further extendsalong the upper sides of strong straining portions 5 and 1. Front bottomparts 76 are attached to lower sides of the strong straining portion (F)20 for pressing abdomen shown in FIG. 55 in seam lines 79 by sewing.(Thus, the front bottom parts 76 are not formed by knitting themdifferently from the power net part of the strong straining portion (F)20 in abdominal region. This fabric is a power net fabric formed by ausual warp knitting that does not require change of the stitch. Althoughthe straining force of these parts is not particularly limited, itcorresponds to the grade of the third strong straining portion.) Numeral78 indicates leg holes.

This short type girdle was formed by knitting and differentiating thestrong straining portions into four grades of the first strong strainingportion, the second strong straining portion, the third strong strainingportion, and the weak straining portion as described above. Four gradesof the first strong straining portion, the second strong strainingportion, the third strong straining portion, and the weak strainingportion as described above were differentiated by changing the stitchappearing on the front side of the ground knitted fabric by jacquardwarp knitting in the same manner as used in the long type girdle shownin FIGS. 52 to 54.

That is, the ground knitted fabric formed by jacquard knitting comprisesa warp knitted fabric knitted with an inelastic yarn and using anelastic yarn as insert yarn. By changing the stitch appearing on thefront side of the ground knitted fabric depending on the requirement ofthe strength of straining force thereby to form predetermined portionswith relatively strong straining forces and relatively weak strainingforces in patterns in predetermined parts, different portions withdesired straining forces are formed at predetermined positions inpredetermined patterns depending on the requirement of the strength ofstraining forces.

In this example, knitting also was carried out by varying power netstitches as described above. The first strong straining portion, thesecond strong straining portion and the third strong straining portionwere knitted with respective satin-like net stitches, and the weakstraining portion was knitted with a mesh-like net stitch.

In this embodiment, in the same manner as in the above embodiment, thestrong straining portions were differentiated into three grades of thefirst strong straining portion, the second strong straining portion andthe third strong straining portion by having a racking of two needles ina large, medium or small proportion in one repeat knitted unit.Furthermore, in this example, a mesh-like net stitch having a largerspace and a lower density of yarn per unit than a satin-like net stitchwas used in the weak straining portion.

In this embodiment, as the yarn forming the ground knitted fabric, anylon yarn of 20 denier was used for both the yarn appearing on thefront side and the yarn appearing on the back side. As insert yarn, onepolyurethane elastic yarn of 280 denier and one polyurethane elasticyarn of 40 denier were used for each wale. The polyurethane elastic yarnof 40 denier was inserted while winding with respect to the waledirection, in other words, so as to reach a plurality of wales, so thatstretchability was expressed in two directions, namely, not only in thewale direction, but also in the course direction in perpendicular to thewale direction. The polyurethane elastic yarn of 280 denier was insertedapproximately on the same wale, and contributes mainly to thestretchability in the wale direction. Regardless of the change in thestitch of the ground knitted fabric, these polyurethane elastic yarnswere inserted approximately uniformly in the entire ground knittedfabric by the above-described method and proportion. The ratio of thenylon yarn and the polyurethane elastic yarns used in the entire fabricwas 80 wt. % of the nylon yarn to 20 wt. % of the polyurethane elasticyarns.

The power net stitch fabric of the front bottom parts 76 comprises 80wt. % of a nylon yarn of 20 denier and 20 wt. % of a polyurethaneelastic yarn. The polyurethane elastic yarn was used as insert yarn, andone polyurethane yarn of 40 denier was inserted for each wale. Thepolyurethane elastic yarn of 40 denier was inserted on approximately thesame wale, and contributes mainly to the stretchability in the waledirection.

The short type girdle shown in FIGS. 55 to 57 has, as a strong strainingportion (A), the strong straining portion 1 in which right and leftparts are connected at the position 2 a on the back side of the girdlecorresponding to os sacrum of the wearer's body and which covers aregion from the position 2 a through the tops of the bulges of thebuttocks or vicinities thereof in an approximately middle part ofmusculus gluteus maximus at right and left approximately in thedirection of muscle fibers of musculus gluteus maximus to at least thevicinity of trochanter major 3. In the strong straining portion 1, thesection corresponding to the region where trochanter major 3 is presentis formed of the first strong straining portion having a racking of twoneedles in a large proportion, and the strong straining portion 1 otherthan the section corresponding to the region where trochanter major 3 ispresent is formed of the second strong straining portion having aracking of two needles in a medium proportion. The strong strainingportion (F) for pressing abdomen indicated by numeral 20 at the centerof hypogastric region is formed of the second strong straining portion.

The strong straining portion 5 connected to right and left slightlylower sides of the strong straining portion (F) 20 and the strongstraining portion 12 connected to the strong straining portion 5 throughthe section corresponding to the region where trochanter major 3 ispresent are united to form a strong straining portion (B2). Other thanthe section corresponding to the region where trochanter major 3 ispresent, the strong straining portions 5 and 12 are formed of the secondstrong straining portion.

Furthermore, the strong straining portions 6 as one embodiment of thestrong straining portion (C), and the portion indicated by the strongstraining portion 9 of the strong straining portion (D) that covers thewaist region at the rear of the strong straining portion 6 integrallyare formed of the third strong straining portion.

Other portions, namely, an upper part of the buttocks indicated by 71, apart a little higher than gluteal cleft at right and left indicated by73, and an upper part of the abdomen indicated by 74 are formed of amesh-like net stitch as the weak straining portion.

This girdle also has, as a strong straining portion (A), the strongstraining portion 1 in which right and left parts are connected at theposition 2 a on the back side of the girdle corresponding to os sacrumof the wearer's body and which covers the region from the position 2 athrough the tops of the bulges of the buttocks or vicinities thereof inan approximately middle part of musculus gluteus maximus at right andleft approximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus gluteusmaximus to at least the vicinity of trochanter major 3. Therefore,musculus gluteus maximus can be supported firmly in the direction of itsmuscle fibers. Thus, it can play a large role in supporting the rotatingmotion of the hips, preventing a decrease in the rotating angle of thehips, and stabilizing the pelvis in anterior-posterior direction. For anelderly person, it is effective in preventing falling down. Furthermore,it can play a large role in extending the hip joint inanterior-posterior direction when running, jumping, and climbing up aslope.

Furthermore, the portion indicated by the strong straining portion 5 isunited with the strong straining portion 12 extending further from thevicinity of trochanter major 3 to a lower part of the bulges of thebuttocks to form a strong straining portion (B2). Thus, in this girdle,because of the presence of the strong straining portion (B2), thefunction of pressing trochanter major 3 is enhanced further, and thefunctions of improving the joint between caput ossis femoris 204 andacetabulum and increasing the stability of the hip joint are enhancedfurther. Furthermore, with the strong straining portion 12, the functionof keeping the bulges of the hips in a high position can be provided.

Furthermore, because right and left parts of the strong strainingportion 5 and right and left parts of the strong straining portion 6 areconnected to each other through the strong straining portion (F) 20, thefunctions of supporting abdominal muscles more strongly, reducing lumbarlordosis, maintaining good posture, making youthful figure, andpreventing generation of pains such as lumbar pains can be displayedmore easily. Furthermore, because the strong straining portions 6 and 9are united to form the strong straining portion 11, the functions ofsupporting the region from the vicinity of the position 8 at the backcenter of the waist through musculus latissimus dorsi 308 and musculusgluteus medius 309 at right and left and musculus obliquus externusabdominis 302 more strongly, preventing backward inclination of thepelvis, and keeping a stable position of the pelvis are displayed moreeasily.

Moreover, in this girdle, because the strong straining portions are notformed by lining with a cloth or the like but are formed by changingstitches, there is substantially no difference in level at a boundarybetween strong straining portions and weak straining portions.Therefore, there is no possibility that such a difference in level atthe boundary is reflected into an outer wear and appears on the outerwear, deteriorating the appearance of the wearer.

FIG. 57 is a plan view of a fabric used for a part from the back to theside front of this girdle before cutting. The section enclosed by abroken line A-B-C-D-E-A indicates a cutting line of a body fabric(fabric for covering) for the region from the front to the back on theright side other than the strong straining portion 20 for pressingabdomen and the upper abdomen part 74 in FIG. 55. The section 75enclosed by a broken line F-G-H-I is a cutting line of a piececorresponding to the crotch 75. The E-D line is the center line at theback of the girdle. Because the same signs are applied to the same partsin FIG. 57 as those in FIGS. 55 and 56, it is easy to understand thatwhich of the respective parts shown in FIG. 57 constitutes any part inFIGS. 55 and 56. In FIG. 57, the direction in which the yarn formingthis jacquard raschel warp knitted fabric is supplied, namely, the waledirection, is indicated by an arrow S.

The girdle shown in this embodiment is comprised of a total of sixfabrics, namely, two for right and left body sides of the fabric shownin FIG. 57, which is used for a part from the back to the side front;the crotch cloth piece indicated by 75; an abdomen cloth in which theupper abdomen part 74 and the strong straining portion (F) 20 in FIG. 55are knitted differently and united; and lower front end parts 76 forright and left.

Next, FIGS. 58 to 60 show a front view, a left side view and a rear viewof still another embodiment of a short type girdle as a garment of thepresent invention in wearing condition, respectively. The short typegirdle 10 q shown in FIGS. 58 to 60 has, as a strong straining portion(A), a strong straining portion 1 in which right and left parts areconnected at a position 2 on the back side of the girdle correspondingto from fourth vertebra lumbalis to os sacrum of the wearer's body andwhich covers the region from the position 2 through the tops of thebulges of the buttocks or vicinities thereof in an approximately middlepart of musculus gluteus maximus at right and left approximately in thedirection of muscle fibers of musculus gluteus maximus to the vicinityof trochanter major 3. Furthermore, in the same way as in FIG. 19, thegirdle 10 q has a strong straining portion (F) 20 for pressing abdomenat the center of hypogastric region, which has a main stretch directionin the longitudinal direction of the garment. At the periphery of thelower end of the girdle 10 q, there are front bottom clothes indicatedby 80. In this embodiment, for these front bottom clothes, a power netknitted fabric that is a stretch fabric having its edge processed forfraying prevention and does not need, what is called, a hem finish(thus, a fabric having a flat edge that is not subjected to a hem finishin which an edge is folded back and sewn), which has a strong strainingforce so that it is fitted to the body of the wearer, is used. Thisgirdle also has strong straining portions 5 b connected to the strongstraining portions of these front bottom clothes 80 and extending fromthe sides of the front bottom clothes along the lower end at the sidesof the girdle to the vicinity of trochanter major 3, and a strongstraining portion 12 extending from the strong straining portions 5 balong the lower end at the back of the girdle through a lower part ofthe bulges of the buttocks. Because the front bottom clothes 80 asstrong straining portions are connected to the strong straining portion(F) 20, when considering the front bottom clothes 80 as extensions ofthe strong straining portion for pressing abdomen, it is possible toconsider that the front bottom clothes 80 and the strong strainingportions 5 b are approximately equivalent to a strong straining portion5 that covers a region extending obliquely downward from a position onmusculus rectus abdominis in hypogastric region approximately in thedirection of the muscle fibers of musculus obliquus internus abdominisat right and left to the vicinity of trochanter major 3, which hasapproximately the same effect as that of the combination of the strongstraining portion (F) 20 and the strong straining portions 5 of thegirdle shown in FIGS. 16 to 18.

Thus, in the short type girdle 10 q of this embodiment, the strongstraining portion 1 passes through the tops of the bulges of thebuttocks or vicinities thereof in the direction of muscle fibers ofmusculus gluteus maximus, and moreover, right and left parts of thestrong staining portion 1 are connected at the position 2 on the backside of the girdle corresponding to the region from the fourth vertebralumbalis to os sacrum of the wearer's body. Therefore, musculus gluteusmaximus can be supported firmly in the direction of its muscle fibers.Thus, it can play a large role in supporting the rotating motion of thehips, preventing a decrease in the rotating angle of the hips, andstabilizing the pelvis in anterior-posterior direction. For an elderlyperson, it is effective in preventing falling down. Furthermore, it canplay a large role in extending the hip joint in anterior-posteriordirection when running, jumping, and climbing up a slope. Furthermore,because the strong straining portions 1, 5 b and 12 cover the vicinityof trochanter major 3, the functions of improving the joint betweencaput ossis femoris 204 and acetabulum and increasing the stability ofthe hip joint are displayed. Furthermore, considering the front bottomclothes 80 as extensions of the strong straining portion (F) 20 forpressing abdomen as described above, with these parts and the strongstraining portions 5 b, the functions of supporting musculus rectusabdominis 301 in part and musculus obliquus internus abdominis, reducinglumbar lordosis, maintaining good posture, making youthful figure, andpreventing generation of pains such as lumbar pains can be displayed.Furthermore, with the strong straining portion 12, the function ofkeeping the bulges of the hips in a high position can be provided.

Next, FIGS. 61 to 63 show a front view, a left side view and a rear viewof still another embodiment of a short type girdle as a garment of thepresent invention in wearing condition, respectively. The short typegirdle 10 r shown in FIGS. 61 to 63 has, as a strong straining portion(A), a strong straining portion 1 in which right and left parts areconnected at the position 2 on the back side of the girdle correspondingto the region from the fourth vertebra lumbalis to os sacrum of thewearer's body and which covers a region from the position 2 through thetops of the bulges of the buttocks or vicinities thereof in anapproximately middle part of musculus gluteus maximus at right and leftapproximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus gluteusmaximus to the vicinity of trochanter major 3. This girdle further has astrong straining portion (F) 20 for pressing abdomen at the center ofhypogastric region, which has a main stretch direction in thelongitudinal direction of the garment. One end of each of right and leftparts of a straining portion 5 is connected to each of right and leftslightly lower sides of the strong straining portion (F) 20. One end ofeach of right and left parts of a strong straining portion 6 isconnected to each of right and left upper sides of the strong strainingportion (F) 20. A slight difference from FIG. 19 is that the strongstraining portions 5 and 6 are connected on the sides of the garment.The portion indicated by the strong straining portion 5 further extendsfrom the vicinity of trochanter major 3 through a lower part of thebulges of the buttocks along the lower end at the back as indicated bythe strong straining portion 12. The strong straining portions 5 and 12are united to form a strong straining portion (B2). Furthermore, thisgirdle has, as a strong staining portion (D), a strong straining portion9 in which right and left parts are connected approximately in thevicinity of a position 8 at the back center of the waist and whichcovers a region extending from the vicinity of the position 8 at theback center of the waist through musculus latissimus dorsi 308 andmusculus gluteus medius 309 at right and left and a part of musculusobliquus externus abdominis 302 to at least a position exceeding thesides 7 of the wearer to the front side. This girdle also has the strongstraining portion 6 in which right and left parts are connected at aposition 4 on musculus rectus abdominis in hypogastric region and whichcovers a region extending obliquely upward from the position 4 (thestrong straining portion (F) 20 for pressing abdomen) on musculus rectusabdominis in hypogastric region approximately in the direction of musclefibers of musculus obliquus externus abdominis at right and left to atleast a position exceeding the sides 7 of the wearer to the back side.The strong straining portions 6 and 9 are united to form a strongstraining portion 11. Thus, in this short type girdle 10 r, the strongstraining portions 5, 6, 9 (11) and 12 are connected in series. Althoughnot particularly limited, the method in which the stitch appearing onthe front side of the ground knitted fabric by jacquard raschel knittingis changed to form predetermined portions with relatively strongstraining forces and relatively weak straining forces in patterns inpredetermined parts as shown in the previous embodiment of FIGS. 52 to57 can be applied easily to the garment of this embodiment.

In this short type girdle 10 r described above, the strong strainingportion 1 passes through the tops of the bulges of the buttocks orvicinities thereof in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus gluteusmaximus, and moreover, right and left parts of the strong strainingportion 1 are connected at the position 2 on the back side of the girdlecorresponding to from the fourth vertebra lumbalis to os sacrum of thewearer's body. Therefore, musculus gluteus maximus can be supportedfirmly in the direction of its muscle fibers. Thus, it can play a largerole in supporting the rotating motion of the hips, preventing adecrease in the rotating angle of the hips, and stabilizing the pelvisin anterior-posterior direction. For an elderly person, it is effectivein preventing falling down. Furthermore, it can play a large role inextending the hip joint in anterior-posterior direction when running,jumping, and climbing up a slope. Furthermore, because the strongstraining portions 1, 5 and 12 cover the vicinity of trochanter major 3,the functions of improving the joint between caput ossis femoris 204 andacetabulum and increasing the stability of the hip joint can bedisplayed.

Furthermore, with the strong straining portion (F) 20 for pressingabdomen and the strong straining portion 5, the functions of supportingmusculus rectus abdominis 301 in part and musculus obliquus internusabdominis, reducing lumbar lordosis, maintaining good posture, makingyouthful figure, and preventing generation of pains such as lumbar painscan be displayed. Furthermore, with the strong straining portion 12, thefunction of keeping the bulges of the hips in a high position can beprovided.

Furthermore, with the strong straining portion (F) 20 for pressingabdomen and the strong straining portion 6, the functions of supportingmusculus rectus abdominis 301 in part and musculus obliquus externusabdominis 302, reducing lumbar lordosis, maintaining good posture,making youthful figure, and preventing generation of pains such aslumbar pains are displayed. Also, because the strong straining portions6 and 9 are united to form the strong straining portion 11, thefunctions of supporting the region from the vicinity of the position 8at the back center of the waist through musculus latissimus dorsi 308and musculus gluteus medius 309 at right and left and musculus obliquusexternus abdominis 302 more strongly, preventing backward inclination ofthe pelvis, and maintaining a stable position of the pelvis aredisplayed more easily.

Moreover, in the short type girdle 10 r, as a front waist cloth 82, astretch soft fabric having a small straining force, such as a tricot, isfolded double and is arranged so that the folded curved edge (thefolded-back portion) is on the side of the upper end of the waist. Thestrong straining portion 11 in which the strong straining portions 6 and9 are united applies a strong force to the waist. If the strongstraining portion (F) 20 reaches the upper end of the waist, the strongstraining portion 11 and the strong straining portion (F) 20 togethermay have too strong straining force, and wearing comfort may decrease.By the front waist cloth 82, such a decrease in wearing comfort isalleviated by softening the force applied to the front side of the waistcorresponding to the upper part of stomach, while applying a strongforce to the waist from the sides to the back by the strong strainingportion 1l. Thus, a garment having a balance between wearing comfort andperformances of functions can be provided.

Next, FIGS. 64 to 66 show a front view, a left side view and a rear viewof still another embodiment of a short type girdle as a garment of thepresent invention in wearing condition, respectively. The short typegirdle 10 s shown in FIGS. 64 to 66 has, as a strong straining portion(A), a strong straining portion 1 in which right and left parts areconnected at a position 2 on the back side of the girdle correspondingto from the fourth vertebra lumbalis to os sacrum of the wearer's bodyand which covers a region from the position 2 through the tops of thebulges of the buttocks or vicinities thereof in an approximately middlepart of musculus gluteus maximus at right and left approximately in thedirection of muscle fibers of musculus gluteus maximus to the vicinityof trochanter major 3. Furthermore, in the same way as in FIG. 58, thereis a strong straining portion (F) 20 for pressing abdomen at the centerof hypogastric region, which has a main stretch direction in thelongitudinal direction of the garment. At the periphery of the lower endof the girdle 10 s, there are front bottom clothes as indicated bynumeral 80. In this embodiment, for the front bottom clothes, a powernet knitted fabric that is a stretch fabric having its edge processedfor fraying prevention and does not need, what is called, a hem finish(thus, a fabric having a flat edge that is not subjected to a hem finishin which an edge is folded back and sewn), which has a strong strainingforce so that it is fitted to the body of the wearer, is used. Thisgirdle also has a strong straining portion 5 that is connected to thestrong straining portion (F) 20 and the strong straining portions as thefront bottom clothes 80 and extends from the sides of these portionsalong the lower end at the sides to the vicinity of trochanter major 3.Because the strong straining portion 5 is connected to the strongstraining portion (F) 20, the strong straining portion 5 and the strongstraining portion (F) 20 are considered as equivalent to a strongstraining portion 5 that covers a region extending obliquely downwardfrom a position on musculus rectus abdominis in hypogastric regionapproximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus obliquusinternus abdominis at right and left to the vicinity of trochanter major3, which has approximately the same functions as those of the strongstraining portion (F) 20 for pressing abdomen and the strong strainingportion 5 of the girdle shown in FIG. 19.

Thus, in the short type girdle 10 s of this embodiment, the strongstraining portion 1 passes through the tops of the bulges of thebuttocks or vicinities thereof in the direction of muscle fibers ofmusculus gluteus maximus, and moreover, right and left parts of thestrong straining portion 1 are connected at the position 2 on the backside of the girdle corresponding to from the fourth vertebra lumbalis toos sacrum of the wearer's body. Therefore, musculus gluteus maximus canbe supported firmly in the direction of its muscle fibers. Thus, it canplay a large role in supporting the rotating motion of the hips,preventing a decrease in the rotating angle of the hips, and stabilizingthe pelvis in anterior-posterior direction. For an elderly person, it iseffective in preventing falling down. Furthermore, it can play a largerole in extending the hip joint in anterior-posterior direction whenrunning, jumping, and climbing up a slope. Furthermore, because thestrong straining portions 1 and 5 cover the vicinity of trochanter major3, the functions of improving the joint between caput ossis femoris 204and acetabulum and increasing the stability of the hip joint aredisplayed. Furthermore, with the strong straining portion (F) 20 and thestrong straining portion 5, the functions of supporting musculus rectusabdominis 301 in part and musculus obliquus internus abdominis, reducinglumbar lordosis, maintaining good posture, making youthful figure, andpreventing generation of pains such as lumbar pains can be displayed.Numeral 83 indicates the lower end line on the back side of the mainbody of the short type girdle.

Next, FIGS. 67 to 69 show a front view, a left side view and a rear viewof still another embodiment of a short type girdle as a garment of thepresent invention in wearing condition, respectively. The short typegirdle 10 t shown in FIGS. 67 to 69 has, as a strong straining portion(A), a strong straining portion 1 in which right and left parts areconnected at a position 2 on the back side of the girdle correspondingto from the fourth vertebra lumbalis to os sacrum of the wearer's bodyand which covers a region extending from the position 2 through the topsof the bulges of the buttocks or vicinities thereof in an approximatelymiddle part of musculus gluteus maximus at right and left to thevicinity of trochanter major 3 approximately in the direction of musclefibers of musculus gluteus maximus. Furthermore, the girdle 10 t has, asa strong straining portion (C), a strong straining portion 6 in whichright and left parts are connected at a position 4 on musculus rectusabdominis in hypogastric region and which covers a region extendingobliquely upward from the position 4 on musculus rectus abdominis inhypogastric region approximately in the direction of muscle fibers ofmusculus obliquus externus abdominis at right and left to at least aposition exceeding the sides of the wearer to the back side. Also, thegirdle 10 t has, as a strong straining portion (D), a strong strainingportion 9 in which right and left parts are connected approximately inthe vicinity of a position 8 at the back center of the waist and whichcovers a region extending from the vicinity of the position 8 at theback center of the waist through musculus latissimus dorsi 308 andmusculus gluteus medius 309 at right and left and a part of musculusobliquus externus abdominis 302 to at least a position exceeding thesides of the wearer to the front side. The strong straining portions 6and 9 are united to form a strong straining portion 11.

Further, the girdle 10 t has, as a strong straining portion (B), astrong straining portion 5 that covers a region extending obliquelydownward approximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculusobliquus internus abdominis at right and left to the vicinity oftrochanter major 3. Although the strong straining portion 5 of thegirdle of this embodiment does not satisfy formally the condition “rightand left parts are connected at a position 4 on musculus rectusabdominis in hypogastric region, and the strong straining portion 5starts from the position 4 on musculus rectus abdominis in hypogastricregion”, the strong straining portion 5 is connected to the right andleft lower sides of the strong straining portion 6, and a lower part ofthe strong straining portion 6 serves the function of the strongstraining portion 5. Therefore, substantially, right and left parts ofthe strong straining portion 5 are connected at a position 4 on musculusrectus abdominis in hypogastric region, and it can be considered thatthe strong straining portion 5 starts from the position 4 on musculusrectus abdominis in hypogastric region. Thus, it is substantiallyequivalent to the condition. There exists only a seam line between thestrong straining portions 5 and 6, and if the strong straining portions5 and 6 are formed of a single integrated fabric, they are the same asthose shown in FIG. 13. Therefore, it is equivalent to the united strongstraining portions 5 and 6 shown in FIG. 13 in which a seam line isprovided where the strong straining portions 5 and 6 cross each otheralong the external line of the strong straining portion 6. Numeral 83indicates the lower end line on the back side of the main body of theshort type girdle.

Thus, in the short type girdle 10 t of this embodiment, the strongstraining portion 1 passes through the tops of the bulges of thebuttocks or vicinities thereof in the direction of muscle fibers ofmusculus gluteus maximus, and moreover, right and left parts of thestrong straining portion 1 are connected at the position 2 on the backside of the girdle corresponding to from the fourth vertebra lumbalis toos sacrum of the wearer's body. Therefore, musculus gluteus maximus canbe supported firmly in the direction of its muscle fibers. Thus, it canplay a large role in supporting the rotating motion of the hips,preventing a decrease in the rotating angle of the hips, and stabilizingthe pelvis in anterior-posterior direction. For an elderly person, it iseffective in preventing falling down. Furthermore, it can play a largerole in extending the hip joint in anterior-posterior direction whenrunning, jumping, and climbing up a slope. Furthermore, because thestrong straining portions 1 and 5 cover the vicinity of trochanter major3, the functions of improving the joint between caput ossis femoris 204and acetabulum and increasing the stability of the hip joint can bedisplayed. Furthermore, with the strong straining portion 5, thefunctions of supporting musculus rectus abdominis 301 in part andmusculus obliquus internus abdominis, reducing lumbar lordosis,maintaining good posture, making youthful figure, and preventinggeneration of pains such as lumbar pains can be displayed.

Furthermore, with the strong straining portion 6, the functions ofsupporting musculus rectus abdominis 301 in part and musculus obliquusexternus abdominis 302, reducing lumbar lordosis, maintaining goodposture, making youthful figure, and preventing generation of pains suchas lumbar pains can be displayed. Because the strong straining portions6 and 9 are united to form the strong straining portion 11, a garmentcan be provided that displays more easily the functions of supportingmore strongly the region from the vicinity of the position 8 at the backcenter of the waist through musculus latissimus dorsi 308 and musculusgluteus medius 309 at right and left and musculus obliquus externusabdominis 302, preventing backward inclination of the pelvis, andmaintaining a stable position of the pelvis.

The present invention has been described above using specific examplesof girdles, sports tights and bodysuits as embodiments of garments.However, the present invention is not limited only to these embodiments,and it is applicable to a garment comprising a stretch fabric, whichcovers at least a part of the lower body of a wearer, has a crotch part,and is worn by being fitted to the wearer's body, such as spats,leotards, swimsuits, and other garments.

In the present invention, a garment comprising a stretch fabric, whichcovers at least a part of the lower body of a wearer, has a crotch part,and is worn by being fitted to the wearer's body, wherein “the garmenthas a leg part cylindrically covering regio femoralis of the wearer'sbody to at least a position lower than the crotch part” refers to, forexample, a garment having leg parts cylindrically covering regiofemoralis or regio femoralis and regio cruris as indicated by the longtype girdles shown in FIG. 1 and others or the sports tights shown inFIG. 34 and others. Although not illustrated, it is also applicable tospats, bodysuits, leotards, swimsuits and the like of the type havingsuch leg parts. In such preferred embodiments of the present invention,by having leg parts cylindrically covering regio femoralis to at least aposition lower than the crotch part, the entire length increases for thepresence of the leg parts, and the garment is fixed and fitted to thebody of the wearer more firmly. Accordingly, the straining force of astrong straining portion is exerted more effectively and easily.Particularly, the function of pressing trochanter major is displayedmore effectively.

In the present invention, a garment comprising a stretch fabric, whichcovers at least a part of the lower body of a wearer, has a crotch part,and is worn by being fitted to the wearer's body, wherein “the positionof the lower end of the garment is approximately the same as or higherthan the position of the crotch part, and the garment does not have aleg part cylindrically covering regio femoralis to at least a positionlower than the crotch part” refers to, for example, a garment that doesnot have a leg part cylindrically covering regio femoralis or regiofemoralis and regio cruris but has holes for letting the legs of thewearer out as indicated by, for example, the short type girdles shown inFIGS. 55, 58 and others, or the bodysuit shown in FIG. 49. Suchexpression is used because the position of the lower end of this type ofgarment is usually approximately the same as or higher than the positionof the crotch part. Although not illustrated, it is also applicable toleotards, swimsuits, and the like of this type that do not have a legpart cylindrically covering regio femoralis. A garment having thislength to the lower end covers trochanter major, and the lower end linepasses through the vicinity of trochanter major or a part lower thantrochanter major. Because usually the lower end line is arranged so thatit contacts closely with the body of the wearer, the function ofpressing the region of trochanter major can be displayed effectively.Furthermore, in such an embodiment of the present invention, the garmentdoes not have a leg part cylindrically covering regio femoralis.Therefore, a garment can be provided that is steamed little and thus canbe worn favorably even in a hot season, and in addition has betterwearing comfort because of little compressive feeling to regiofemoralis.

A garment of the present invention comprises a stretch fabric and inpart has a portion with a strong straining force (a strong strainingportion).

In a garment of the present invention, a strong straining portion may beformed by laminating a stretch fabric having a predetermined shape onthe main body of the garment and sewing it, or by laminating a stretchfabric having a predetermined shape on the main body of the garment andbonding it. According to these methods, a garment having durability canbe produced easily. Of course, a lower leg protection garment of thepresent invention may be formed by preparing strong straining portionsand other portions as respective parts of predetermined shapes andseaming them together. However, such sewing is complex and takes a lotof labor.

Furthermore, for example, a strong straining portion may be formed bystretching and laminating a stretch fabric having a predetermined shapeon the main body of the garment and sewing or bonding it. These methodsare favorable when applying a stronger straining force by the strongstraining portion.

Furthermore, a strong straining portion may be formed by impregnating orcoating a predetermined part of the main body fabric of the garment witha solution or emulsion of a synthetic resin or rubber having elasticityfollowed by drying, or by laminating a film of a synthetic resin orrubber having elasticity on a predetermined part of the main body fabricof the garment. According to these methods, a strong straining portionhaving a relatively small thickness can be obtained. As the syntheticresin having elasticity, suitable elastic resins such as polyurethaneresins, polyester elastomer resins, etc. may be used.

Furthermore, a strong straining portion may be formed by changing thestitch of a stretch fabric that forms the main body of the garment to astitch with a stronger straining force. According to this method,because lamination also is not necessary, a strong straining portionhaving a smaller thickness can be obtained. The definition of the methodin which a strong straining portion is formed by changing the stitch asdescribed also includes forming a strong straining portion by using,among the fiber materials forming the main body of the garment, anelastic fiber thicker than those used in other portions. According tothis method, because lamination also is not necessary, a strongstraining portion having a smaller thickness can be obtained.

Among the above-described methods for forming a strong strainingportion, preferred are the method of laminating a stretch fabric havinga predetermined shape on the main body of the garment and sewing it, andthe method of stretching and laminating a stretch fabric having apredetermined shape on the main body of the garment and sewing it.According to these methods, the straining force of the stretch fabricsewn to the main body of the garment may be slightly smaller than, thesame as, or larger than the straining force of the stretch fabric of themain body of the garment. This is because lamination of a stretch fabricon the main body of the garment results in increased straining force inthe laminated part. The degree of the straining force of the fabric tobe laminated may be chosen as appropriate depending on the type of thegarment, intended use, preference of the wearer, etc.

Although not particularly limited, it is preferable that a strongstraining portion has a straining force of 150 to 400 gf approximatelyin its length direction. Within this range of straining force, thefunctions of the present invention are exhibited effectively, andmoreover compressive feeling is not too strong, and wearing comfort isexcellent. Even if the straining force of a weak straining portionexceeds 150 gf, it is justified as long as the straining force issmaller than those of any of the strong straining portions formed in thegarment.

A straining force is measured by a method using an Instron typeuniversal tensile tester (“AUTOGRAPH AG-500D”, manufactured by ShimadzuCorporation), in which stretch of a sample to 80% of its length (freelength of the sample between grips) and recovery are repeated threetimes at a stretching rate of 300±20 mm/min, and the value of thestraining force when recovering to 30% at the third time is read outamong the values when stretching and recovering. It is preferable thatthe sample has a size of 2.5 cm in width and 16 cm in length, and has anupper grip length of 2.5 cm, a lower grip length of 3.5 cm, and a spacebetween grips of 10 cm. If a sample of this size cannot be cut out fromthe garment to be measured, a smaller sample may be used. However,because measurement error increases as the size of the sample decreases,it is preferable that a sample as large as possible is cut out andmeasured. When a strong straining portion is formed by laminating astretch fabric or the like on the garment main body, as a matter ofcourse, it is necessary to use a laminated sample as the sample to bemeasured for its straining force.

The width of a strong straining portion in a garment of the presentinvention is not particularly limited, and it may be chosen asappropriate depending on the part where the strong straining portion ispresent, the strength of the straining force of the material used, themethod of forming the strong straining portion, the degree or the partof disorder of the wearer, the aim of preventing disorder, the type ofthe sports played, whether the wearer is an adult or a child, etc. tothe extent so that the object of the present invention is achieved. Forexample, it is preferable that the widest portion usually has a width offrom about 5 to about 15 cm, more preferably from about 8 to about 13cm. The width of other strong straining portion, for example a portionwith the smallest width on the lateral side of regio femoralis, isusually from about 2 to about 10 cm, more preferably from about 4 toabout 8 cm. Furthermore, for example, the width of the widest part in astrong straining portion for pressing abdomen as shown in FIGS. 19, 22,46 or 49, etc. is naturally different depending on the size of the bodyof the wearer, but in general it is usually from about 8 to about 17 cm,more preferably from about 10 to about 14 cm. Of course, the width of astrong straining portion may be partially smaller or wider depending onthe part to the extent so that the object of the present invention isachieved.

Furthermore, a garment of the present invention may preferably use, as astretch fabric, a polyurethane fiber-containing power net that is apolyurethane fiber-containing stretch raschel knitted fabric, apolyurethane fiber-containing two-way stretch tricot knitted fabric thatis a polyurethane fiber-containing tricot knitted fabric, etc.Therefore, compared with a conventional supporter using a relativelythick pile fabric, neoprene sheet, etc., a fabric having a thickness ina range as used when making a usual garment, e.g. from about 0.3 toabout 0.8 mm, may be used. Thus, a garment can be provided that reducesthe wearer's appearance little such as the figure when worn, fits wellto the body, and has relatively good ventilation. The kind of the powernet include, for example, a plain power net, satin power net, two-waystretch raschel, “TRISKIN” (trademark of Urabe Corporation), etc.

It is not necessary that all strong straining portions have the samestraining force, and they may have different straining forces dependingon the part.

The results of measuring the straining forces of strong strainingportions and other weak straining portion with respect to each garmentdescribed in the above embodiments are as follows:

EXAMPLE 1 OF MEASUREMENT RESULT OF STRAINING FORCE

Example 1 of an embodiment in which a cloth was applied onto the mainbody fabric of a garment as shown in FIGS. 1 to 51 so that the partwhere the cloth was applied became a strong straining portion.

(1) Main body fabric:

“TRISKIN” (trademark of Urabe Corporation, two-way stretch power netknitted fabric), which uses a nylon yarn of 40 denier and in which onepolyurethane elastic yarn of 140 denier and one polyurethane elasticyarn of 40 denier were inserted for each wale. The polyurethane elasticyarn of 40 denier was inserted while winding its way so as to reach aplurality of wales as described above.

Mixture ratio: 73.7 wt. % of the nylon yarn and 26.3 wt. % of thepolyurethane elastic yarns Stretching force: 140 gf Contracting force:129 gf (2) Strong straining portion 1: A part where a cloth describedbelow was applied onto the main body fabric described above (except fora part where double clothes were applied such as the part correspondingto trochanter major 3) Cloth to be applied: One-way stretch power net,which uses a nylon yarn of 70 denier and in which one polyurethaneelastic yarn of 280 denier was inserted for each wale. Mixture ratio: 81wt. % of the nylon yarn and 19 wt. % of the polyurethane elastic yarnStretching force: 280 gf Contracting force: 240 gf (3) Strong strainingportion 2: (A part in the vicinity of trochanter major 3 where doubleclothes were applied, and coupled with the main body fabric, threeclothes were laminated.) Two clothes described above were applied ontothe main body fabric described above and measured. Stretching force: 423gf Contracting force: 354 gf

EXAMPLE 2 OF MEASUREMENT RESULT OF STRAINING FORCE

Example 2 of an embodiment in which a cloth was applied onto the mainbody fabric of a garment as shown in FIGS. 1 to 51 so that the partwhere the cloth was applied became a strong straining portion:

(1) Main body fabric:

Two-way stretch power net, which uses a nylon yarn of 40 denier and inwhich one polyurethane elastic yarn of 260 denier and one polyurethaneelastic yarn of 40 denier were inserted for each wale. The polyurethaneelastic yarn of 40 denier was inserted while winding its way so as toreach a plurality of wales as described above.

Mixture ratio: 73.7 wt. % of the nylon yarn and 26.3 wt. % of thepolyurethane elastic yarns Stretching force: 140 gf Contracting force:129 gf (2) Strong straining portion 1: A part where a cloth describedbelow was applied onto the main body fabric described above (except fora part where double clothes were applied such as the part correspondingto trochanter major 3) Cloth to be applied: One-way stretch power net,which uses a nylon yarn of 40 denier and in which one polyurethaneelastic yarn of 140 denier was inserted for each wale. Mixture ratio:80.4 wt. % of the nylon yarn and 19.6 wt. % of the polyurethane elasticyarn Stretching force: 219 gf Contracting force: 200 gf (3) Strongstraining portion 2: (A part in the vicinity of trochanter major 3 wheredouble clothes were applied, and coupled with the main body fabric,three clothes were laminated.) Two clothes described above were appliedonto the main body fabric described above and measured. Stretchingforce: 275 gf Contracting force: 245 gf

EXAMPLE 3 OF MEASUREMENT RESULT OF STRAINING FORCE

A garment as shown in FIGS. 52 to 57 comprising a two-way stretch powernet knitted fabric formed by a jacquard raschel machine, in which thestitch appearing on the front side of a ground knitted fabric waschanged to form strong straining portions and a weak straining portion.Yarns used were as those described above with respect to FIGS. 52 to 57.

A ground knitted fabric using a nylon yarn of 20 denier, in which onepolyurethane elastic yarn of 280 denier and one polyurethane elasticyarn of 40 denier were inserted for each wale. The polyurethane elasticyarn of 40 denier was inserted while winding its way so as to reach aplurality of wales as described above.

Mixture ratio: 80 wt. % of the nylon yarn and 20 wt. % of thepolyurethane elastic yarns (1) Weak straining portion (a part of amesh-like net stitch) Stretching force: 232 gf Contracting force: 132 gf(2) Third strong straining portion (a part of a satin-like net stitch)Stretching force: 271 gf Contracting force: 151 gf (3) Second strongstraining portion (a part of a satin-like net stitch Stretching force:291 gf Contracting force: 157 gf (3) First strong straining portion (apart of a satin-like net stitch corresponding to trochanter major)Stretching force: 297 gf Contracting force: 168 gf

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention provides garments that can exhibit the followingfunctions:

(1) A garment of the present invention has a strong straining portion(A), in which right and left parts of the portion (A) are connected at aposition on the back side of the garment corresponding to any regionfrom os sacrum to vertebrae lumbalis of the wearer's body, and theportion (A) covers a region extending from said position through tops ofbulges of the buttocks or vicinities thereof approximately in thedirection of muscle fibers of musculus gluteus maximus at right and leftto at least the vicinity of trochanter major. Thus, musculus gluteusmaximus can be supported firmly in the direction of its muscle fibers.Therefore, the garment can play a large role in extending the hip joint,particularly for the stability of the pelvis in anterior-posteriordirection, and supports rotating motion of the hips, prevents a decreasein the rotatable angle of the hips, and for an elderly person iseffective in preventing falling down. The garment also can play a largerole in extending the hip joint in anterior-posterior direction whenrunning, jumping, and climbing up a slope. Furthermore, because thestrong straining portion covers the vicinity of trochanter major, agarment having the functions of improving the joint between caput ossisfemoris and acetabulum and increasing the stability of the hip joint canbe provided.

(2) A preferred embodiment of the garment of the present inventionfurther comprises a strong straining portion (B), wherein right and leftparts of the portion (B) are connected at a position on the garmentcorresponding to musculus rectus abdominis in hypogastric region, andthe portion (B) covers a region extending obliquely downward from theposition on musculus rectus abdominis in hypogastric regionapproximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus obliquusinternus abdominis at right and left to at least the vicinity oftrochanter major. Thus, musculus rectus abdominis in part and musculusobliquus internus abdominis are supported further, so that a garmenthaving additional functions of reducing lumbar lordosis, maintaininggood posture, and preventing generation of pains such as lumbar painscan be provided.

(3) A preferred embodiment of the garment of the present inventionfurther comprises a strong straining portion (C), wherein right and leftparts of the portion (C) are connected at a position on the garmentcorresponding to musculus rectus abdominis in hypogastric region, andthe portion (C) covers a region extending obliquely upward from theposition on musculus rectus abdominis in hypogastric regionapproximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus obliquusexternus abdominis at right and left to at least a position exceedingthe sides of the wearer to the back side. Thus, musculus rectusabdominis in part and musculus obliquus externus abdominis are supportedfurther, so that a garment having additional functions of reducinglumbar lordosis, maintaining good posture, making youthful figure, andpreventing generation of pains such as lumbar pains can be provided.

(4) A preferred embodiment of the garment of the present inventionfurther comprises a strong straining portion (D), wherein right and leftparts of the portion (D) are connected approximately in the vicinity ofa position on the garment corresponding to the back center of the waist;and the portion (D) covers a region extending from the vicinity of theposition at the back center of the waist through musculus latissimusdorsi and musculus gluteus medius at right and left and a part ofmusculus obliquus externus abdominis to at least a position exceedingthe sides of the wearer to the front side. Thus, a garment havingadditional functions of preventing backward inclination of the pelvisand assisting to maintain a stable position of the pelvis can beprovided.

(5) A preferred embodiment of the garment of the present inventionfurther comprises the portion (B) of the above item (2) and the portion(C) of the above item (3). Because the strong straining portions (B) and(C) are united, abdominal muscles are supported more strongly. Thus, agarment can be provided that exhibits more easily the functions ofreducing lumbar lordosis, maintaining good posture, making youthfulfigure, and preventing generation of pains such as lumbar pains inaddition to the functions described in the above item (1).

(6) A preferred embodiment of the garment of the present inventionfurther comprises the portion (B) of the above item (2), the portion (C)of the above item (3), and the portion (D) of the above item (4).Because the strong straining portions (B) and (C) are united, abdominalmuscles are supported more strongly. Thus, a garment can be providedthat exhibits more easily the functions of reducing lumbar lordosis,maintaining good posture, making youthful figure, and preventinggeneration of pains such as lumbar pains in addition to the functionsdescribed in the above item (1). Furthermore, because it has the strongstraining portion (D), the region from the vicinity of the position atthe back center of the waist through musculus latissimus dorsi andmusculus gluteus medius at right and left and musculus obliquus externusabdominis is supported more strongly, and a garment can be provided thatexhibits more easily the functions of preventing backward inclination ofthe pelvis and maintaining a stable position of the pelvis.

(7) A preferred embodiment of the garment of the present inventionfurther comprises a strong straining portion (F) for pressing abdomenand a strong straining portion (B), wherein the portion (F) has a mainstretch direction in the longitudinal direction of the garment; theportion (F) covers the center of hypogastric region; an end of theportion (B) is connected to each of right and left lower sides of theportion (F); and the portion (B) covers a region extending obliquelydownward from the right and left lower sides of the portion (F)approximately in the directions of muscle fibers of musculus obliquusinternus abdominis at right and left to at least the vicinity oftrochanter major. Thus, a garment having the functions of inhibiting theswelling of superfluous flesh of the abdomen and adjusting the shape ofthe abdomen more finely in addition to the functions described in theabove items (1) and (2) can be provided.

(8) A preferred embodiment of the garment of the present inventionfurther comprises a strong straining portion (F) for pressing abdomenand a strong straining portion (C), wherein the portion (F) has a mainstretch direction in the longitudinal direction of the garment; theportion (F) covers the center of hypogastric region; an end of theportion (C) is connected to each of right and left upper sides of theportion (F); and the portion (C) covers a region extending obliquelyupward from the right and left upper sides of the portion (F)approximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus obliquusexternus abdominis at right and left to at least a position exceedingthe sides of the wearer to the back side. Thus, a garment having thefunctions of inhibiting the swelling of superfluous flesh of the abdomenand adjusting the shape of the abdomen more finely in addition to thefunctions described in the above items (1) and (3) can be provided.

(9) A preferred embodiment of the garment of the present inventionfurther comprises a strong straining portion (F) for pressing abdomen, astrong straining portion (B), and a strong straining portion (C),wherein the portion (F) has a main stretch direction in the longitudinaldirection of the garment; the portion (F) covers the center ofhypogastric region; an end of the portion (B) is connected to each ofright and left lower sides of the portion (F); the portion (B) covers aregion extending obliquely downward from the right and left lower sidesof the portion (F) approximately in the direction of muscle fibers ofmusculus obliquus internus abdominis at right and left to at least thevicinity of trochanter major; an end of the portion (C) is connected toeach of right and left upper sides of the portion (F); and the portion(C) covers a region extending obliquely upward from the right and leftupper sides of the portion (F) approximately in the direction of musclefibers of musculus obliquus externus abdominis at right and left to atleast a position exceeding the sides of the wearer to the back side.Thus, a garment having the functions of inhibiting the swelling ofsuperfluous flesh of the abdomen and adjusting the shape of the abdomenmore finely in addition to the functions described in the above items(1) and (5) can be provided.

(10) In a preferred embodiment of the garment of the present invention,the portion indicated by the portion (A) is a strong straining portion(A2), which further covers a region extending from the vicinity oftrochanter major toward regio femoralis anterior medialis through atleast a part of any at least one musculus quadriceps femoris selectedfrom musculus sartorius, musculus rectus femoris and musculus vastusmedialis. Thus, the function of pressing trochanter major 3 is enhancedfurther, and the functions of improving the joint between caput ossisfemoris and acetabulum and increasing the stability of the hip joint areenhanced further. Furthermore, because the strong straining portion (A2)supports musculus quadriceps femoris (musculus sartorius, musculusrectus femoris, musculus vastus medialis, etc.) approximately in thedirection of their muscle fibers, a garment can be provided that has anadditional function of when playing sports exhibiting a massage effecton these muscles in legs and encouraging recovery of these muscles fromfatigue. Furthermore, when an elderly person wears it, the functions ofpreventing falling down and increasing walking stability are enhancedfurther.

(11) In a preferred embodiment of the garment of the present invention,the portion indicated by the portion (A) is a strong straining portion(A3), which further covers a region extending from the vicinity oftrochanter major through the vicinity of tractus iliotibialis and/ormusculus vastus lateralis in regio femoralis to a position a littlehigher than patella. Thus, the function of pressing trochanter major 3is enhanced further, and the functions of improving the joint betweencaput ossis femoris and acetabulum and increasing the stability of thehip joint are enhanced further. Furthermore, because the strongstraining portion (A3) supports tractus iliotibialis and/or musculusvastus lateralis approximately in the direction of their muscle fibers,a garment can be provided that has an additional function of whenplaying sports exhibiting a massage effect on these muscles in legs andspeeding up flows of blood and lymphocyte thereby encouraging therecovery of these muscles from fatigue caused by exhaustion of energy oraccumulation of lactic acid. Furthermore, when an elderly person wearsit, the functions of preventing falling down and increasing walkingstability are enhanced further.

(12) In a preferred embodiment of the garment of the present invention,the portion indicated by the portion (A) is a strong straining portion(A4), and the portion (A4) further covers a region extending from thevicinity of trochanter major through the vicinity of tractusiliotibialis and/or musculus vastus lateralis to patella, and furtherfrom patella through the vicinity of musculus gastrocnemius and/ormusculus soleus in the regio cruris lateralis to the vicinity of anupper part of malleolus lateralis so as to support musculusgastrocnemius and musculus soleus. Thus, the function of pressingtrochanter major 3 is enhanced further, and the functions of improvingthe joint between caput ossis femoris and acetabulum and increasing thestability of the hip joint are enhanced further. Also, because thestrong straining portion (A4) supports tractus iliotibialis and/ormusculus vastus lateralis approximately in the direction of their musclefibers, and also supports musculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus, agarment can be provided that has an additional function of when playingsports exhibiting a massage effect on these muscles in legs andencouraging recovery of these muscles from fatigue. Furthermore, when anelderly person wears it, the functions of preventing falling down andincreasing walking stability are enhanced further.

(13) In a preferred embodiment of the garment of the present invention,the portion indicated by the portion (B) is a strong straining portion(B2), and the portion (B2) further covers a region extending from thevicinity of trochanter major through a lower part of the bulges of thebuttocks. Thus, the function of pressing trochanter major 3 is enhancedfurther, and the functions of improving the joint between caput ossisfemoris and acetabulum and increasing the stability of the hip joint areenhanced further. With the strong straining portion (B2), a garmenthaving an additional function of keeping the bulges of the hips in ahigh position can be provided.

(14) In a preferred embodiment of the garment of the present invention,the portion indicated by the portion (B) is a strong straining portion(B3), and the portion (B3) further covers a region extending from thevicinity of trochanter major through at least a part of hamstrings inregio femoralis posterior. Thus, the function of pressing trochantermajor 3 is enhanced further, and the functions of improving the jointbetween caput ossis femoris 204 and acetabulum and increasing thestability of the hip joint are enhanced further. Because the musculusbiceps femoris, musculus semitendinosus and musculus semimembranosus,which are also called hamstrings, are supported approximately in thedirection of muscles contraction, a garment can be provided that hasadditional functions of when playing sports encouraging recovery ofthese muscles in legs from fatigue and further enhancing the function ofpressing the ground strongly backward in a running action, the functionof jumping higher, the function of rising a foot, etc. When an elderlyperson wears it, the functions of preventing falling down and increasingwalking stability are enhanced further.

(16) A preferred embodiment of the garment of the present inventionfurther comprises a strong straining portion (E), wherein the portion(E) covers a region extending from an upper part of regio femoralismedialis through musculus vastus medialis to patella so as to supportmusculus vastus medialis, and further from patella through the vicinityof musculus gastrocnemius and/or musculus soleus in regio crurismedialis to the vicinity of an upper part of malleolus medialis so as tosupport musculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus. Thus, musculusvastus medialis is supported approximately in the direction of itsmuscle fibers, and musculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus also aresupported. Therefore, a garment can be provided that has an additionalfunction of when playing sports exhibiting a massage function on thesemuscles in legs and encouraging recovery of these muscles from fatigue.Furthermore, when an elderly person wears it, the functions ofpreventing falling down and increasing walking stability are enhancedfurther.

(17) In a preferred embodiment of the garment of the present invention,a strong straining portion is formed by laminating a cloth on the frontside or back side of a main body fabric of the garment. Thus, thegarment of the present invention is produced easily, and a garmenthaving durability can be produced easily.

(18) In a preferred embodiment of the garment of the present invention,a strong straining portion is formed by changing a stitch for knitting amain body fabric of the garment to form a weak straining portion and astrong straining portion in patterns. Thus, a garment can be obtainedthat has a strong straining portion with a smaller thickness, has nodifference in level between a strong straining portion and otherportion, has excellent wearing comfort, and is excellent in appearance.

(19) In a preferred embodiment of the garment of the present invention,a strong straining portion is formed by laminating a film of a syntheticresin or rubber having elasticity on a predetermined part of a main bodyfabric of the garment or by impregnating or coating a predetermined partof a main body fabric of the garment with a solution or emulsion of asynthetic resin or rubber having elasticity followed by drying. Thus, agarment having a relatively thin strong straining portion can beobtained at a relatively low cost.

(20) In a preferred embodiment of the garment of the present invention,a strong straining portion has a straining force of 150 to 400 gf.Within this range of straining force, a garment can be provided thatexhibits the functions of the present invention effectively and in whichcompressive feeling is not too strong and wearing comfort is excellent.

(21) In a preferred embodiment of the garment of the present invention,the stretch fabric is a knitted fabric selected from a two-way stretchtricot and a stretch raschel. Thus, compared with a conventionalsupporter using a relatively thick pile fabric, neoprene sheet, etc., afabric having a thickness in a range as used when making a usualgarment, e.g. from about 0.3 to about 0.8 mm, may be used. Therefore, agarment can be provided that reduces the wearer's appearance little suchas the figure when worn, fits well to the body, and has relatively goodventilation.

(22) In a preferred embodiment of the garment of the present invention,the garment comprises a stretch fabric, covers at least a part of thelower body of a wearer, has a crotch part, and is worn by being fittedto the wearer's body, wherein the garment is selected from a girdle,spats, sports tights, bodysuit, leotard and swimsuit. These garments areworn by being contacted with the skin of the wearer more firmly or beingfitted to a part relatively close to the skin. Thus, the above-describedfunctions are displayed effectively, so that this garment is favorable.

(23) In a preferred embodiment of the garment of the present invention,the garment comprises a stretch fabric, covers at least a part of thelower body of a wearer, has a crotch part, and is worn by being fittedto the wearer's body, wherein the garment has a leg part cylindricallycovering regio femoralis of the wearer's body to at least a positionlower than the crotch part. By having a leg part cylindrically coveringregio femoralis to at least a position lower than the crotch part, theentire length increases for the presence of the leg part, and thegarment is fixed and fitted onto the body of the wearer more firmly.Accordingly, the straining force of a strong straining portion isexerted more effectively and easily. Particularly, the function ofpressing trochanter major is displayed more effectively.

(24) In a preferred embodiment of the garment of the present invention,the garment comprises a stretch fabric, covers at least a part of thelower body of a wearer, has a crotch part, and is worn by being fittedto the wearer's body, wherein the position of a lower end of the garmentis approximately the same as or higher than the position of the crotchpart; and the garment does not have a leg part cylindrically coveringregio femoralis to at least a position lower than the crotch part. Agarment having this length to the lower end covers trochanter major, andthe lower end line passes through the vicinity of trochanter major or apart lower than trochanter major. Because usually the lower end line isarranged so that it adheres closely to the body of the wearer, thefunction of pressing the region of trochanter major can be displayedeffectively. Furthermore, a garment can be provided that is steamedlittle and thus can be worn favorably even in a hot season, and hasbetter wearing comfort because of little compressive feeling to regiofemoralis.

Accordingly, a garment of the present invention is useful as a garmentthat has good wearing comfort in common occasions such as during dailyactivities or when playing sports; can be worn easily by oneself evenfor an inexperienced person; has the functions of increasing thestability of the hip joint, making youthful figure and posture, andreducing lumbar lordosis; contributes to alleviating pains such aslumbar pains; and further has the functions of enabling the wearer toimprove his/her performances when playing sports, and for an elderlyperson preventing falling down, by utilizing the function of expandingthe range of motion of the lumbar region or the hip joint of a humanbody.

Having described preferred embodiments of the invention with referenceto the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the inventionis not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changesand modifications maybe effected therein by one skilled in the artwithout departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as definedin the appended claims.

1. A garment comprising a stretch fabric wherein the garment is adaptedto cover at least a part of the lower body of a wearer, has a crotchpart, and is adapted to be worn by being fitted to the wearer's body,wherein: the garment in part has a portion with a strong strainingforce; the portion with a strong straining force is a first strongstraining portion; wearer's right and left parts of the first portionare connected at a position on the back side of the garment adapted tocorrespond to any region from os sacrum to vertebrae lumbalis of thewearer's body; and the first portion is adapted to cover a regionextending from said position through the furthest dorsal point of bulgeof each buttock in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus gluteusmaximus to at least the vicinity of trochanter major at wearer's rightand left.
 2. The garment according to claim 1, further comprising asecond strong straining portion, wherein: right and left parts of thesecond portion are connected at a position on the garment adapted tocorrespond to musculus rectus abdominis in a hypogastric region; and thesecond portion is adapted to cover a region extending obliquely downwardfrom the position on musculus rectus abdominis in a hypogastric regionapproximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus obliquusinternus abdominis at wearer's right and left to at least the vicinityof trochanter major.
 3. The garment according to claim 2, furthercomprising: a fourth strong straining portion, wherein right and leftparts of the fourth portion are connected at a position on the garmentadapted to correspond to musculus rectus abdominis in a hypogastricregion; and the fourth portion is adapted to cover a region extendingobliquely upward from the position on musculus rectus abdominis in ahypogastric region approximately in the direction of muscle fibers ofmusculus obloquies externus abdominis at wearer's right and left to atleast a position exceeding the sides of the wearer to the back side. 4.The garment according to claim 3, further comprising: a seventh strongstraining portion, wherein right and left parts of the seventh portionare connected approximately in the vicinity of a position on the garmentadapted to correspond to the back center of the waist; and the seventhportion is adapted to cover a region extending from the vicinity of theposition at the back center of the waist through musculus latisimusdorsi and musculus gluteus medius at wearer's right and left and a partof musculus obloquies externus abdominis to at least a positionexceeding the sides of the wearer to the front side.
 5. The garmentaccording to claim 4, further comprising: an eleventh strong strainingportion in which the fourth portion and the seventh portion are unitedand continuous.
 6. The garment according to claim 1, wherein: the secondportion also has a fifth strong straining portion; and the fifth portionis adapted to cover further a region extending from the vicinity oftrochanter major through a lower part of the bulges of the buttocks. 7.The garment according to claim 1, wherein: the second portion also has asixth strong straining portion; and the sixth portion is adapted tocover further a region extending from the vicinity of trochanter majorthrough at least a part of hamstrings in regio femoralis posterior. 8.The garment according to claim 1, wherein a strong straining portion isformed by laminating a cloth on the front side or back side of a mainbody fabric of the garment.
 9. The garment according to claim 1, whereina strong straining portion is formed by changing a stitch for knitting amain body fabric of the garment to form a weak straining portion and astrong straining portion in patterns.
 10. The garment according to claim1, wherein a strong straining portion is formed by laminating a film ofa synthetic resin or rubber having elasticity on a predetermined part ofa main body fabric of the garment or by impregnating or coating apredetermined part of a main body fabric of the garment with a solutionor emulsion of a synthetic resin or rubber having elasticity followed bydrying.
 11. The garment according to claim 1, wherein a strong strainingportion has a straining force of 150 to 400 gf.
 12. The garmentaccording to claim 1, wherein the stretch fabric is a knitted fabricselected from a two-way stretch tricot and a stretch raschel.
 13. Thegarment according to claim 1, wherein: the garment comprises a stretchfabric, the garment is adapted to cover at least a part of the lowerbody of a wearer, has a crotch part, and is worn by being fitted to thewearer body, and the garment is selected from a girdle, spats, sportstights, bodysuit, leotard and swimsuit.
 14. The garment according toclaim 1, wherein: the garment comprises a stretch fabric, the garment isadapted to cover at least a part of the lower body of a wearer, has acrotch part, and is worn by being fitted to the wearer body, and thegarment has a leg part for cylindrically covering regio femoralis of thewearer body to at least a position lower than the crotch part.
 15. Thegarment according to claim 1, wherein: the garment comprises a stretchfabric, the garment is adapted to cover at least a part of the lowerbody of a wearer, has a crotch part, and is worn by being fitted to thewearer body, the position of a lower end of the garment is approximatelythe same as or higher than the position of the crotch part; and thegarment does not have a leg part for cylindrically covering regiofemoralis to at least a position lower than the crotch part.
 16. Agarment comprising: a stretch fabric wherein the garment is adapted tocover at least a part of the lower body of a wearer, has a crotch part,and is adapted to be worn by being fitted to the wearer's body; a firststrong straining portion with a strong straining force, wherein wearer'sright and left parts of the first portion are connected at a position onthe back side of the garment and adapted to correspond to any regionfrom os sacrum to vertebrae lumbalis of the wearer's body; the firstportion is adapted to cover a region extending from said positionthrough tops of bulges of the buttocks or vicinities thereofapproximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus gluteusmaximus at wearer's right and left to at least the vicinity oftrochanter major; a second strong straining portion; and a third strongstraining portion adapted to press the abdomen; wherein the thirdportion has a main stretch direction in the longitudinal direction ofthe garment; the third portion being adapted to cover the center ofhypograstric region; an end of the second portion is connected to eachof the right and left lower sides of the third portion; and the secondportion being adapted to cover a region extending obliquely downwardfrom the right and left lower sides of the third portion approximatelyin the directions of muscle fibers of musculus obliquus internusabdonimis at wearer's right and left to at least the vicinity oftrochanter major.
 17. A garment comprising: a stretch fabric wherein thegarment is adapted to cover at least a part of the lower body of awearer, has a crotch part, and is adapted to be worn by being fitted tothe wearer's body; a first strong straining portion with a strongstraining force, wherein right and left parts of the first portion areconnected at a position on the back side of the garment adapted tocorrespond to any region from os sacrum to vertebrae lumbalis of thewearer's body; the first portion is adapted to cover a region extendingfrom said position through tops of bulges of the buttocks or vicinitiesthereof approximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculusgluteus maximus at wearer's right and left to at least the vicinity oftrochanter major; a third strong straining portion adapted to press theabdomen; and a fourth strong straining portion, wherein the thirdportion has a main stretch direction in the longitudinal direction ofthe garment; the third portion is adapted to cover the center of ahypogastric region; an end of the fourth portion is connected to each ofright and left upper sides of the third portion; and the fourth portionis adapted to cover a region extending obliquely upward from the rightand left upper sides of the third portion approximately in the directionof muscle fibers of musculus obliquus externus abdominis at wearer'sright and left to at least a position exceeding the sides of the wearerto the back side.
 18. A garment comprising: a stretch fabric wherein thegarment is adapted to cover at least a part of the lower body of awearer, has a crotch part, and is adapted to be worn by being fitted tothe wearer's body; a first strong straining portion with a strongstraining force, wherein right and left parts of the first portion areconnected at a position on the back side of the garment adapted tocorrespond to any region from os sacrum to vertebrae lumbalis of thewearer's body; the first portion is adapted to cover a region extendingfrom said position through tops of bulges of the buttocks or vicinitiesthereof approximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculusgluteus maximus at wearer's right and left to at least the vicinity oftrochanter major; a second strong straining portion; a third strongstraining portion is adapted to press the abdomen, and a fourth strongstraining potion, wherein the third portion has a main stretch directionin the longitudinal direction of the garment; the third portion isadapted to cover the center of a hypogastric region; an end of thesecond portion is connected to each of right and left lower sides of thethird portion; the second portion is adapted to cover a region extendingobliquely downward from the right and left lower sides of the thirdportion approximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculusobliquus internus abdominis at wearer's right and left to at least thevicinity of trochanter major; an end of the fourth portion is connectedto each of right and left upper sides of the third portion; and thefourth portion is adapted to cover a region extending obliquely upwardfrom the right and left upper sides of the third portion approximatelyin the direction of muscle fibers of musculus obliquus externusabdominis at wearer's right and left to at least a position exceedingthe sides of the wearer to the back side.
 19. A garment comprising: astretch fabric wherein the garment is adapted to cover at least a partof the lower body of a wearer, has a crotch part, and is adapted to beworn by being fitted to the wearer's body; a first strong strainingportion with a strong straining force, wherein right and left parts ofthe first portion are connected at a position on the back side of thegarment adapted to correspond to any region from os sacrum to vertebraelumbalis of the wearer's body; the first portion is adapted to cover aregion extending from said position through tops of bulges of thebuttocks or vicinities thereof approximately in the direction of musclefibers of musculus gluteus maximus at wearer's right and left to atleast the vicinity of trochanter major; and a fourth strong strainingportion, wherein right and left parts of the fourth portion areconnected at a position on the garment adapted to correspond to musculusrectus abdominis in a hypogastric region; and the fourth portion isadapted to cover a region extending obliquely upward from the positionon musculus rectus abdominis in hypograstric region approximately in thedirection of muscle fibers of musculus obloquies externus adominis atwearer's right and left to at least a position exceeding the sides ofthe wearer to the back side.
 20. A garment comprising: a stretch fabricwherein the garment is adapted to cover at least a part of the lowerbody of a wearer, has a crotch part, and is adapted to be worn by beingfitted to the wearer's body; a first strong straining portion with astrong straining force, wherein right and left parts of the firstportion are connected at a position on the back side of the garmentadapted to correspond to any region from os sacrum to vertebrae lumbalisof the wearer's body; the first portion is adapted to cover a regionextending from said position through tops of bulges of the buttocks orvicinities thereof approximately in the direction of muscle fibers ofmusculus gluteus maximus at wearer's right and left to at least thevicinity of trochanter major; and a seventh strong straining portion,wherein right and left parts of the seventh portion are connectedapproximately in the vicinity of a position on the garment adapted tocorrespond to the back center of the waist; and the seventh portion isadapted to cover a region extending from the vicinity of the position atthe back center of the waist through musculus latisimus dorsi andmusculus gluteus medius at wearer's right and left and a part ofmusculus obloquies externus abdominis to at least a position exceedingthe sides of the wearer to the front side.
 21. A garment comprising: astretch fabric wherein the garment is adapted to cover at least a partof the lower body of a wearer, has a crotch part, and is adapted to beworn by being fitted to the wearer's body; a first strong strainingportion with a strong straining force, wherein right and left parts ofthe first portion are connected at a position on the back side of thegarment adapted to correspond to any region from os sacrum to vertebraelumbalis of the wearer's body; and the first portion is adapted to covera region extending from said position through tops of bulges of thebuttocks or vicinities thereof approximately in the direction of musclefibers of musculus gluteus maximus at wearer's right and left to atleast the vicinity of trochanter major; the first portion also has aneighth strong straining portion, wherein the eighth portion is adaptedto cover further a region extending from the vicinity of trochantermajor toward regio femoralis anterior medialis through at least a partof any at least one musculus quadriceps femoris selected from musculussartorius, musculus rectus femoris and musculus vastus medialis.
 22. Agarment comprising: a stretch fabric wherein the garment is adapted tocover at least a part of the lower body of a wearer, has a crotch part,and is adapted to be worn by being fitted to the wearer's body; a firststrong straining portion with a strong straining force, wherein rightand left parts of the first portion are connected at a position on theback side of the garment adapted to correspond to any region from ossacrum to vertebrae lumbalis of the wearer's body; and the first portionis adapted to cover a region extending from said position through topsof bulges of the buttocks or vicinities thereof approximately in thedirection of muscle fibers of musculus gluteus maximus at wearer's rightand left to at least the vicinity of trochanter major; the first portionalso has a ninth strong straining portion, wherein the ninth portion isadapted to cover further a region extending from the vicinity oftrochanter major through the vicinity of tractus iliotibialis and/ormusculus vastus lateralis in regio femoralis to a position a littlehigher than patella.
 23. A garment comprising: a stretch fabric whereinthe garment is adapted to cover at least a part of the lower body of awearer, has a crotch part, and is adapted to be worn by being fitted tothe wearer's body; a first strong straining portion with a strongstraining force, wherein right and left parts of the first portion areconnected at a position on the back side of the garment adapted tocorrespond to any region from os sacrum to vertebrae lumbalis of thewearer's body; and the first portion is adapted to cover a regionextending from said position through tops of bulges of the buttocks orvicinities thereof approximately in the direction of muscle fibers ofmusculus gluteus maximus at wearer's right and left to at least thevicinity of trochanter major; the first portion also has an tenth strongstraining portion; and the tenth portion is adapted to cover further aregion extending from the vicinity of trochanter major through thevicinity of tractus iliotibialis and/or musculus vastus lateralis topatella, and further from patella through the vicinity of musculusgastrocnemius and/or musculus soleus in the regio cruris lateralis tothe vicinity of an upper part of malleolus lateralis so as to supportmusculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus.
 24. The garment according toclaim 23, further comprising a twelfth strong straining portion,wherein: the twelfth portion is adapted to cover a region extending froman upper part of regio femoralis medialis through musculus vastusmedialis to patella so as to support musculus vastus medialis, andfurther from patella through the vicinity of one of musculusgastrocnemius and musculus soleus in regio cruris medialis to thevicinity of an upper part of malleolus medialis so as to supportmusculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus.
 25. A garment comprising astretch fabric wherein the garment is adapted to cover at least a partof the lower body of a wearer, has a crotch part, and is adapted to beworn by being fitted to the wearer's body, wherein: the garment in parthas a portion with a strong straining force; the portion with a strongstraining force is a first strong straining portion; wearer's right andleft parts of the first portion are connected at a position on the backside of the garment adapted to correspond to any region from os sacrumto vertebrae lumbalis of the wearer's body; and the first portion isadapted to cover a region starting from said position, running in thedirection of the muscle fibers of musculus gluteus maximus to extendover the furthest posterior point of each buttock at right and leftsides of the garment, and reaching at least the vicinity of trochantermajor.